It’s usually said third time lucky; that means, when one wants to achieve something, it normally takes three attempts until one gets it. But this does not apply to Park Place, simply because it took them no less than five finals to earn their most desired goal – to claim The Queen’s Cup, a tournament that saw Andrey Borodin’s organisation as runner up in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. It was quite hard, though, because La Dolfina Marqués de Riscal were in front of them, a tough lineup who presented battle until the end; it was not until the last minutes within regulation time when Hilario Ulloa´s magical stick picked the ball, sneaked through the players, and ran to the posts to produce the goal that secured the narrow 9-8 win that allowed them to earn the trophy that was presented to a happy Andrey Borodin by Laurent Feniou, Cartier Managing Director, in England.
On a splendid Sunday June 15, a sunny afternoon with sold out, packed grandsstands at Guards Polo Club, set in Windsor Great Park, Park Place and Marqués de Riscal entered The Queen’s Cup to play the championship match of the club’s premier competition, knowing very well that it wouldn’t be an easy task for any of them. Park Place aimed dearly to claim a trophy they weren’t unable to win for several years, while Marqués de Riscal, with Poroto Cambiaso as the leader of the pack, wanted their first big title in England. On personal matters, this final was a rematch for Poroto, who lost the final last year against Talandracas, a lineup that had Rosendo Torreguitar, today with Park Place, hence, defending champion.
But before going to the events on the ground, it’s worth to mention the poignant and moving touch featured on this Sunday at Guards – on both finals, the Subsidiary and The Queen’s Cup, the players wore black armbands, and a minute of silence was observed as a mark of respect, prior to the start of the games, in memory of Sunjay Kapur, Aureus’ patron, who sadly passed away unexpectedly last Thursday, due a a sudden heart attack, last Thursday, while playing the Subsidiary semifinal against Sujan Indian Tigers.
With regards to The Queen’s Cup final, Park Place had a strong start, very strong, indeed, kicking off with an impressive 3-0 lead in the first chukka. But La Dolfina Marqués de Riscal were not going to make things that easy to them. Led by Poroto Cambiaso (who scored six of the eight goal of the team), La Dolfina Marqués de Riscal bounced back in the second chukka; they outscored their contenders 3-1, to close the gap to just one goal (3-4). The minimum gap remained in the third chukka, and half time saw Park Place leading by a tight 5-4. The match was as expected – very hard fought and balanced, with both teams fighting each play. Following half time, a determined Park Place widened their advantage to two goals, 7-5; but a hotter than hell fifth chukka would follow. La Dolfina Marqués de Riscal scored three goals to tie at 8-all with only one chukka left. But more drama was still to come in the last chukka; the contest remained tied thoroghout that final episode, or at least until the clock marked less than four minutes in regulation time. That’s when Hilario Ulloa came up, picked the ball, sneaked through many players to run to the post and sealed what would be the final result, 9-8. However, La Dolfina Marqués de Riscal never gave up, even when Park Place was the dominating force in those last minutes. Rufino Bensadon made an attempt to widen the score to 10-8 at the last minute, and the ball went wide. But the damage was already done, and the joyous celebrations commenced for Park Place, who made it; they claimed a very well deserved achievement, an achievement they waited for so many years. And they did it after a very tough final, against a very tough contender. But Andrey and his boys were wise enough to seize the reins, by displaying their best polo and a remarkable team play (all the four members scored goals).
Previoulsy, Sujan Indian Tigers were victorious 13-9 over La Dolfina Scone and won the Subsidiary Trophy. An indeed very touching win for the Tigers, that Jaisal Singh surely dedicated to his friend Sunjay.
THE QUEEN’S CUP – FINAL – SUNDAY JUNE 15
PARK PLACE 9-8 LA DOLFINA MARQUÉS DE RISCAL
Park Place: Andrey Borodin 0 (1 goal), Rufino Bensadon 7 (4), Hilario Ulloa 9 (3), Rosendo Torreguitar 6 (1). Total: 22.
La Dolfina Marqués de Riscal: Luis Aznar 0*, Lucas Criado Jr. 7** (1 goal), Rufino Merlos 5 (1), Poroto Cambiaso 10 (6). Total: 22.
* Subbed in for Alejandro Aznar.
**Subbed in for Carlos María Ulloa.
Score Park Place: 3-0, 4-3, 5-4, 7-5, 8-8, 9-8.
Umpires: Jason Dixon & Howard Smith.
Third man: Tim Bown.
MVP: Hilario Ulloa
BPP: Why Not I’m Easy, ridden by Hilario Ulloa.
The Queen’s Cup has been played since 1960, and was established in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on September 8, 2022; her 70-years reign made her not only the longest serving British monarch ever (1952-2022), but also the second longest in history, behind His Majesty Louis XIV, known as Le Roi Soleil (The Sun King), who ruled France from 1643 to 1715, a total of 72 years. Queen Elizabeth II was suceeded by her son, His Majesty King Charles III, the current President of Guards Polo Club, a position he inherited from his father, His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who founded the club 70 years ago, on January 25, 1955 and remained as the President until his passing, on April 9, 2021. Today, His Majesty King Charles III is in charge to present the trophy to the winning patron, like his mother did before.
The championship match of the Queen’s Cup is due on Sunday June 15.
The Queen’s Cup – Teams & Fixture
Cover photo by Pablo Ramírez.