ESTABLISHED AS THE MOST DYNAMIC SEASON IN THE WORLD
The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series came to an end with Habtoor’s victory in the Dubai Cup. What a successful season it was! The last few months have stood out for several reasons. Let’s recap:
– It was the first full season officially hosted by the brilliant Al Habtoor Resort & Club.
– The fields have maintained their great condition throughout the season, proving that they can handle high goal polo. They were first used in October 2016. The low number of injuries suffered by players and horses also highlighted the quality of the fields.
– The season in Dubai has become the most competitive played during the first trimester of the year. This became clear when no team was seen to be the clear favourite to win; no team won two or more 18-goal tournaments this year (UAE claimed the Silver Cup, Zedan won the Gold Cup, and Bin Drai became Dubai Challenge Cup champions).
– Many high goal players took part in the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series. Regulars Lucas Monteverde, Pablo Mac Donough, Alfredo Cappella, and Guillermo Terrera were joined by Nico Pieres, Ezequiel Martínez Ferrario, Francisco Elizalde, Joaquín Pittaluga and Tito Ruiz Guiñazú and many others.
– A new team joined the Series: Bangash. However, Ghantoot, one of the biggest organisations in the Middle East, was missed. They are set to return in 2018.
– Friday polo became a classic, thanks to the large number of spectators who watch the action. There was also an increase in new polo sponsors.
– In sporting terms, the level of polo was excellent. Like in 2015, Zedan became champions of the Gold Cup, the most important tournament int he Middle East. They managed to regain strength after a tricky start to the season and go on to beat Habtoor in the final.
– In the first major tournament of the season, UAE suffered the loss of their highest ranked player, Lucas Monteverde. He was replaced by Guillermo Terrera, who led the team to Silver Cup victory, defeating Desert Palm in the final.
– Local team Habtoor gave a great performance this season. Mohammed Al Habtoor’s boys made it to the final rounds of every tournament (one title, three finals, and one semi), something that had not happened since 2014, when Ghantoot dominated the season.
– César Ruiz Guiñazú, Director of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series, highlighted that this is one of the seasons where patrons score the highest number of goals.
– Lastly, PoloLine want to thank Mohammed Al Habtoor and all his team for their great hospitality throughout the season.