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Asia, Polo News

$100,000 up for grabs at Emirates Polo Championship International Kicks off today

11. December 2020

ABU DHABI: The first major of the season and one of the most-anticipated events on Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club’s calendar, the Emirates Polo Championship International will kick off on December 8 with the grand final scheduled for a week later on December 15.

Passion, tradition, legacy and sporting elegance will take centre stage as the Emirates Polo Championship International, which will be held under the generous patronage of HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, turns 20.

The draw ceremony for the prestigious competition was held at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club on Sunday in the presence of HE Zayed Khalifa Zayed Al Aboudi Al Zaabi, Executive Director of the club, Nasser Al Shamsi, captain Ghantoot team, and representatives of other teams.

Three teams – Ghantoot Polo, Bin Drai and Abu Dhabi Polo – will lock horns during the championship, which has attracted the best players over the years and is known to deliver the highest quality of polo.

The tournament carries a handicap of 10-12 goals and it will see the participation of many young faces and, of course, the creme de la creme of UAE players. All the participating three teams boast a mix of the best Emirati and international players.

A total cash prize of $100,000 is up for grabs at the Emirates Polo Championship International, widely regarded as one of the region’s most important polo tournaments.

Bin Drai led by Mohammed Bin Drai will face the Ghantoot team in the opener on December 8 today. The match will start at 4pm. Ghantoot will be in action on December 10 when they square off against Abu Dhabi Polo team. Later, Bin Drai take on Abu Dhabi Polo on December 12.

Zaabi said: “We are proud to have reached another milestone as we celebrate two decades of medium-goal polo in the UAE with the Emirates Polo Championship International.”

Hailing the vision of HH Sheikh Falah and his support, Zaabi said: “It is a historical occasion for Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club to celebrate the 20th anniversary of one of the top events of our calendar.

“Good luck to all the teams participating. We look forward to seeing some thrilling matches being played on the Sheikh Zayed Polo Field at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.

“This achievement would not have been possible without the support of sponsors and team patrons,” Zaabi added.

The tournament will take place behind closed doors in line with UAE’s Covid-19 precautionary and preventive measures, and the club management has decided to follow the highest standards of health and safety norms to ensure everyone taking part is safe.

The Emirates Polo Championship International takes place in association with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and is supported by Capex.com and Paris Reverie.

Polo enthusiasts can catch the action live as the matches will be transmitted through Abu Dhabi sports channels, in addition to the transmission of all matches via Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club’s social media platforms along with the website.

Teams:

GHANTOOT POLO (+12)
Nasser Al Shamsi (+1)
Santos Iriarte (+1)
Cesar Crespo (+4)
Manuel Toccalino (+6)

ABU DHABI POLO (+11)
Faris Al Yabhouni (0)
Maxi Malacalza (+3)
Bautista Garcia (+4)
Hugo Barabucci (+4)

BIN DRAI POLO (+10)
Mohammed Bin Drai (+1)
Bautista Alberdi (+3)
Rashed Bin Drai (+1)
Gergorio Gelosi (+5)

ABU DHABI: The first major of the season and one of the most-anticipated events on Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club’s calendar, the Emirates Polo Championship International will kick off on…

Asia, Polo News

Habtoor Polo Undefeated at the Halloween Cup 2020

3. November 2020

30 October 2020, Dubai, UAE: The first tournament of the season saw the Habtoor Polo team lifting the Halloween Cup trophy for the fourth year on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

The polo picnic area was in full swing as Mahra Polo team faced Habtoor Polo at the final match. Habtoor Al Habtoor scored the opening goal early on during the first chukker. Habtoor Polo dominated the game despite the2 quick goals from Mahra in the fourth chukker, Habtoor Polo sealed the win at 5 goals to 3.

Match progression: 0-2 | 1-3 | 1-4 | 3-5

Khalid Saeed, General Manager of Al Habtoor Polo Resort, awarded the teams at the Final and the Most Valuable Player – Habtoor Al Habtoor.

The Halloween Cup 2020 is sponsored by Danube Hospitality Solutions.

* All tournaments are subject to the regulations and guidelines issued by the authorities.

About the Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

The Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is a state-of-the-art polo and equestrian community devoted to equine sports and is the home ground for the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series. Check out the Polo 2020 – 2021 calendar for upcoming tournaments, competitions and events.

Photos by Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club

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30 October 2020, Dubai, UAE: The first tournament of the season saw the Habtoor Polo team lifting the Halloween Cup trophy for the fourth year on the grounds of Al…

Asia, Polo News

EMIRATES MARS MISSION 2020

27. October 2020

Emirates Mars Mission Cup 2020 (6-Goal Handicap) kicks off this Friday, 30th Oct, 4.00 PM at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club,

sponsored by BEHNOODE : Luxury Couture and Equestrian Wear, and in commemoration of the Emirates mission to Mars.

The ‘Hope’ orbiter launched this year with the mission design, development, and operations that are led by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.

Phots by Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club

Emirates Mars Mission Cup 2020 (6-Goal Handicap) kicks off this Friday, 30th Oct, 4.00 PM at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, sponsored by BEHNOODE : Luxury Couture and Equestrian Wear,…

Asia, Polo News

An Exciting Win for Habtoor Polo Team at the First Match of the Season

26. October 2020

23 October 2020, Dubai, UAE: The action is back on the beautiful fields of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club as the Halloween Cup 2020 opened with a match between Habtoor Polo and Hesketh/Ankora team.

Ricardo Garros delivered the opening goal of the first tournament of the season, and Santos Iriarte matched this for Habtoor Polo team. The first chukker ended with a one-goal lead for Hesketh/Ankora Polo.

The succeeding chukkers saw the teams neck on neck with Habtoor Al Habtoor snatching the lead with two goals by the end of the second chukker. Tomas Palacios Bacque created a tie by the end of the third, and the two penalty shots from Tomy Iriarte edged Habtoor Polo team ahead of the game by mid of the fourth chukker. Hesketh/Ankora closed in by delivering two goals. It was the last goal from Santos that took the win for Habtoor Polo at 8 goals to 7.

Habtoor Polo vs. Hesketh/Ankora Polo Match Progression: 2-3 | 5-4 | 5-5 8-7

The next match between Mahra Polo and Green Gates Polo team is scheduled on the 24th October 2020, 16:30, on Field 2.

The Halloween Cup 2020 is sponsored by Danube Hospitality Solutions.

* All tournaments are subject to the regulations and guidelines issued by the authorities.

Pictures by Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club

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23 October 2020, Dubai, UAE: The action is back on the beautiful fields of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club as the Halloween Cup 2020 opened with a match between Habtoor Polo…

Asia, Polo News

Saudi Cup: Four Graded Contests Set to Create “Road to Riyadh” for Top Japanese & USA Horses

26. October 2020

Winners Guaranteed a Spot in Starting Gate at $30.5m Saudi Cup Raceday

King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Riyadh, Friday October 23, 2020: The winners of four Graded races in the USA and Japan will be guaranteed spots in three Saudi Cup Day races, following an announcement made today (Friday) by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA).

The Grade 1 USD$3m Pegasus World Cup (1800m), set to be run on dirt at Florida’s Gulfstream Park on January 23, 2021 once again offers its winner a confirmed place in the $20m Saudi Cup starting gate.

In 2020 the Pegasus top spot was taken by Saudi owner HRH Prince Faisal Bin Khalid Al Saud’s Mucho Gusto, trained by US Hall of Famer, Bob Baffert. A popular competitor among the home crowds at King Abdulaziz Racecourse during Saudi Cup week a month later, Mucho Gusto finished fourth in the big race under US-based jockey, Irad Ortiz, earning $1.5m for connections.

Taking the Saudi Cup’s association with Gulfstream Park and the prestigious Pegasus Series one step further in 2021 is the addition of the Grade 1 $1m Pegasus World Cup Turf (1900m) as a qualifying race for the $1m Middle Distance Turf Handicap on Saudi Cup Day.

In 2020 this became the first turf race to be staged in Saudi history and took place on the purpose-built grass track. The win went to Port Lions trained in Bahrain by Fawzi Nass and ridden by Dutchman, Adrie de Vries.

Tom Ryan, the JCSA’s Director of Strategy and International Racing said: “The Pegasus races have consistently attracted the best horses in the USA since they were established in 2017 and this is exactly the calibre of runner we want to continue to welcome to Riyadh for Saudi Cup on both the dirt and turf tracks.

“Nurturing an ongoing alliance between the Saudi Cup and established races with global followings such as the Pegasus World Cup and Pegasus World Cup Turf is key to our continued growth and development on the international racing stage.”

Craig Fravel, CEO of Racing Operations, The Stronach Group, the company behind the Pegasus World Cup said: “The Stronach Group is delighted that the winners of the 2021 Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series races will be invited to participate in Saudi Cup Day.

“In four short years, the Pegasus World Cup has become one of sport’s most exciting experiences and one of Thoroughbred racing’s most pivotal events, bringing together the world’s best racehorses. Races like the Pegasus World Cup and Saudi Cup encourage international competition and promote our sport to fans across the globe.”

The JCSA has also worked with the Japan Racing Association (JRA) to establish the Grade 1 $1.96m Champions Cup held over 1800m on dirt at Chukyo Racecourse on December 6, as a second qualifying race for the Saudi Cup.

In addition, the 1200m Grade 3 Capella Stakes, on December 13 at Nakayama Racecourse, which carries a purse of $703,000, has been announced as a qualifying race for the $1.5m Riyadh Dirt Sprint over the same distance on Saudi Cup Day.

2019 Champions Cup winner, Chrysoberyl under Belgian jockey, Christophe Soumillon, on the track at King Abdulaziz Racecourse during Saudi Cup week 2020.
© JCSA/Mahmoud Khalid

Prominent Japanese trainer, Hideyuki Mori, who campaigned Full Flat to victory in the 2020 Saudi Derby on Saudi Cup Day welcomed the news: “It is exciting news to hear that Champions Cup and Capella Stakes are appointed as qualifying races for the Saudi Cup and the Riyadh Sprint,” he said. “It is the tendency that the rating of Japanese dirt horses are lower than turf horses and therefore we need these kind of races in Japan.

“I have just decided to withdraw Matera Sky from Breeders Cup to save him for the Riyadh Dirt Sprint and look forward to visiting Saudi again in February.”

Ryan said: “We are very excited to be able to announce these two high quality Japanese races as providing a guaranteed place to the Saudi Cup starting gate and the Riyadh Dirt Sprint respectively.

“The first two finishers in the 2019 Champions Cup, Chrysoberyl and Gold Dream came to Saudi Cup in 2020 proving an already established route for top class runners between the two races and the two jurisdictions.

“We are keen to encourage more international runners across all our races, not just the marquee Saudi Cup event, and so feel our association with this strong sprint in Japan is an important step for us as we build on the successes of year one.”

Adding to the international flavour across Saudi Cup weekend is the introduction of the $500,000 Saudi International Handicap, a race for horses from Part II and Part III racing countries as designated by the IFHA’s Blue Book.

The Handicap will be held on Friday February 19, 2021, the day before Saudi Cup for horses rated 85-110.

“We are keen to provide as much interest and excitement across Saudi Cup weekend as possible for all our connections and also race fans,” said Ryan. “We had a good start in year one but we will continue looking at ways to evolve our race days and support worldwide horse racing. With the Saudi International Handicap we wanted to offer a global stage, to horses and connections that may not normally have this access, backed up by attractive prize money.”

The second renewal of Saudi Cup weekend will take place on Friday February 19 and Saturday February 20 2021 and the JCSA will announce any decisions regarding access to the event relating to Covid-19 restrictions at the earliest possible stage.

More Information

For more details on the Saudi Cup please click on www.thesaudicup.com.sa or contact Media Manager: Sarah Tregoning at stregoning@thesaudicup.com.sa

About The Saudi Cup

Organised by the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and run at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Cup is a two-day festival of international racing headlined by the USD$20m Saudi Cup – the world’s most valuable race.

Established in 2020 with the second renewal set to be run on Saturday February 20, 2021, the Saudi Cup Day card carries a total prize purse of $30.5m and features dirt and turf races for the highest calibre of racehorses in the world.

A full card of racing on the preceding Friday includes an International Jockeys Challenge which sees seven female and seven male jockeys compete as individuals as well as the $500,000 Saudi International Handicap for horses trained in IFHA-registered Part II and III racing countries.

The Saudi Cup is charged with raising awareness of horse racing in the country, encouraging participation among men and women. It also aims to promote Saudi Arabia at international level, acting as a marker for the Kingdom’s transformational journey, encouraging tourism and investment.

Winners Guaranteed a Spot in Starting Gate at $30.5m Saudi Cup Raceday King Abdulaziz Racecourse, Riyadh, Friday October 23, 2020: The winners of four Graded races in the USA and…

Asia, Polo News

Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club Gears Up for its 2020 – 2021 Equestrian Season

19. October 2020

11 October 2020, Dubai, UAE: An exciting line up of Polo tournaments, Show Jumping and Dressage competitions await equine sports enthusiasts in the region.

As a nod to the upcoming season, Al Habtoor Riding School and Polo Academy provided a full equestrian experience to the public. On the 18th of September, registered guests of the Riding School Open day participated in several complimentary activities which included riding assessment sessions, pony rides, and stable tours led by its highly qualified instructors and volunteers.

On the 2nd of October, the Al Habtoor Polo Academy welcomed polo enthusiasts on its Open Day led by its Head Coach. Individuals who registered for the Introduction to Polo session learned the basics of the sport. From learning how to hold a mallet and hitting the ball on the grass, they progressed to trying their swing on a hay bale and ultimately on a polo pony.

This season’s equestrian calendar features a series of AHPRC Show Jumping competitions scheduled to run monthly starting this October with monthly Dressage competitions from January 2021. Several pony camps are in place to welcome those who want to learn more about horsemanship from the ground and on the saddle.

The Club’s much-awaited polo tournaments will open with the Halloween Cup on the 23rd of October. Several low, medium and high-goal tournaments will run through the course of the season. The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series will kick off on the 22nd of January 2020. The Silver Cup, Polo Masters Cup, Gold Cup (Dubai Open), Dubai Challenge Cup and Dubai Cup anticipates the participation of the world’s well-known polo teams and players capping off Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar.

* All tournaments and competitions are subject to the regulations and guidelines issued by the authorities.

Photos: © Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

© Thomas Wirth

11 October 2020, Dubai, UAE: An exciting line up of Polo tournaments, Show Jumping and Dressage competitions await equine sports enthusiasts in the region. As a nod to the upcoming season, Al…

Asia, Europe, North America, Polo News, South America

Polo is back!

8. June 2020

Guest article from Michael Husted, Performance Polo

Across Europe and North America, COVID-19 has imposed delays and restrictions in polo, but luckily, those restrictions are gradually being lifted and some countries has already seen a return to normal polo. In the UK, competitive polo (8 goals and up) launched this weekend, albeit without ride-offs, throw-ins and spectators, but it seems likely that these restrictions will also be lifted in the coming weeks, and we are only too happy to be back in the saddle and looking forward to some great high-goal polo.

Both in polo as well as in other equestrian sports, the conversation some times turn to the weight carried by our horses and, specifically, how much is a safe weight for them to carry. Of course, this is in part a function of the size and type of horse, its fitness and various other factors, but most articles and scientific papers hover around 20% of the horse‘s own weight and see deteriorating performance and potential back problems resulting from more than approx. 20% added to the horse‘s weight.

Of course, it‘s not just the rider‘s weight that matters. Polo requires a lot of gear that piles on the kilos / pounds. In fact, a full set of tack, stick and personal protection, may well add up to 20 kgs (44 lbs). So, if we assume – for simplicity – that polo ponies average 450 kg (1000 lbs), then placing 20% or 90 kgs on top of them should be reasonably safe. Subtracting 20 kgs (44 lbs) for tack and gear leaves just 70 kgs (155 lbs) for the player.

So, those of us hitting somewhere north of 70 kgs on the scale, what can we do? Well, there are diets and exercise, of course, and I certainly intend to shed a few covid-pounds. But in addition to diets and exercise, we should also consider trimming the weight of all the gear that our horses carry around. It‘s not unusual for a polo saddle to weigh in at 8-9 kgs (18-20 lbs), which is one reason why the Ainsley Saddlery has invested time and effort in creating the MVP that weighs in at just 5 kgs (11 lbs) (18“). Polo stirrupsgenerally weigh over 1 kg, but modern materials can reduce that weight by half. And what about the saddle pads? Some wool pads can easily weigh 1 kg (2 lbs) each. Exchange those for light weight pads, or if your saddle fits well, consider playing without any pads. Bandages get wet and heavy, and weight at the end of horses‘ legs produce twice the load of the same weight carried at the saddle. Another reason to switch to lightweight leg protection, like the HUSK la Irenita boots.

So, without too much effort, I can lose 4-5 kgs (9-11 lbs) by taking a closer look at all the stuff my horse needs to carry in addition to me. Let‘s say I also lose 5 kgs, and suddenly my horses carry up to 2% less total weight. This is on a scale that our horses will be able to run a little faster, stop a little quicker, and also recover quicker from exertion.

We can help you shed weight faster than any diet or exercise (for polo fitness, check out Chukka Wellness)! For lightweight polo gear, call us on +44-7487-548242 or email on info@performance-polo.com.

www.performance-polo.com

© Thomas Wirth

Guest article from Michael Husted, Performance Polo Across Europe and North America, COVID-19 has imposed delays and restrictions in polo, but luckily, those restrictions are gradually being lifted and some…

Africa, Asia, Europe, In own affaires, Lifestyle, North America, Polo News, South America, Tournaments

The new edition of POLO+10 WORLD is online!

29. May 2020

Available for download on our website for mobile or desktop use or print by subscription at hello@poloplus10.com

POLO+10 WORLD II 20 Desktop

POLO+10 WORLD II 20 Mobile

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Dear friends of POLO+10, dear Polo friends,

the Covid-19 pandemic and its consequences influence our everyday life during these weeks. The first concern of course is for our families and friends. Protecting their health and limiting the spread of the virus still is our greatest common obligation.

We are all asked to adapt to the current circumstances, follow the restrictions in our sport and the advice for personal distancing where necessary.

And we can see that in following official advice we are successfully fighting Covid-19. As a result in more and more countries the strict measures will be eased in the upcoming weeks, a return to limited training slowly is possible. Polo clubs and stables affected from the restrictions have mastered the special challenges very well. Despite the sometimes limiting possibilities, the care for the horses was and is always upheld. And fortunately the good and close cooperation with the authorities has made it possible to quickly implement individual training plans.

Our Polo clubs and all their staff have made the best of the situation so far, for which I thank them on behalf of all Polo players!

But despite these positive experiences, the Corona virus has also affected our sport noticeably. Especially those of us who live from and with Polo, the coaches, referees, grooms, but also professional players and tournament organizers, have been hit economically by the effects of the pandemic.

We see that individual training in many clubs is possible again, that many of us can continue their work with the horses. Many clubs are currently preparing for a reduced season, so unfortunately we will not see every tournament originally scheduled for this year. Main events such as the European Polo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan and various big national tournaments are already postponed to 2021. And the training of young people will probably only be possible to a very limited extent in this 2020 season.

Still we should be optimistic for the second half of this year. As soon as possible we will see small tournaments being considered in many places and later in the year we all hope for further liftings of the sanctions and maybe some High Goal events. Polo is a mesmerizing and dynamic team sport. It is our passion to live it and to share it with our family, friends and the many fans and spectators.

We are experiencing strong solidarity in the Polo family and I am very happy to see the support and help offered everywhere. I hope you enjoy this edition of POLO+10 and that we will meet again soon at a Polo ground. Please stay healthy and take care!

Let‘s enjoy Polo!

Oliver Winter, President | German Polo Association DPV

Available for download on our website for mobile or desktop use or print by subscription at hello@poloplus10.com POLO+10 WORLD II 20 Desktop POLO+10 WORLD II 20 Mobile •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• …

Asia, Polo News

Urgent Annoucement – HH President of the UAE Polo Cup 2020 to be postponded

19. March 2020

Due to the ongoing global health implications of the coronavirus and precautionary measures being implemented by the UAE government, the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club have announced to postpone the ongoing 20^th edition of the HH President of the UAE Polo Cup with effect from Thursday, March 19.

The Ghantoot Polo and Racing Club released a statement on Thursday evening saying following the directives of HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed al Nahyan, chairman of the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, it is decided to postpone HH President of the UAE Polo Cup of polo season 2019-2020 with immediate effect.

“As organiser of the prestigious HH President of the UAE Polo Cup, we have been in permanent contact with the government authorities in the UAE. The decision has been taken to ensure protection of all the participants,” said HE Zayed Khalifa Al Aboudi Al Zaabi – Executive Director, adding that “safety comes at the top of all priorities. The decision has been circulated to all concerned entities and participating polo teams”

Official website: www.presidentpolocup.ae
Official social media: www.instagram.com/ghantootpolo

© Thomas Wirth

Asia, Polo News

Ghantoot march on as brave UAE keep hopes alive

19. March 2020

Araya the star for the hosts in victory over Abu Dhabi.

Hosts Ghantoot Polo Team continued to display match-winning form as they defeated Abu Dhabi by 11 goals to 6 in the 20th HH President of the UAE Polo Cup on March 17.

It was the second successive win for Ghantoot after their thrilling victory over Bangash Polo Team. In the day’s second game of the day, Her Highness Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum led the UAE Polo Team to a convincing 11-7 victory over Desert Palm. It was the first win for UAE following their narrow defeat to Al Habtoor, while Desert Palm suffered their second loss having the first one to Abu Dhabi in their previous match. HH President of the UAE Cup is being played behind closed doors and without the presence of any spectators in accordance with the regulations and guidelines issued by the UAE Government following the Coronavirus outbreak.

Only players and officials are present at the venue while the matches are contested and regulated in standard fashion with official umpires, and the results are recorded officially. Mr Zayed Khalifa Al Aboudi Al Zaabi, Ghantoot’s dynamic Executive Director commented: “We genuinely appreciate the understanding of our regular fans who are unfortunately deprived of watching world-class polo in the prestigious and signature event, the HH President of the UAE Cup 2020. “However, we continue to abide by the advice of our Rulers, Government and health authorities as we continue to put the safety of our society at the forefront of all our endeavors.” The ‘President of the UAE Cup’ offers a lucrative purse of half million DHS.

All games are being held at the state-of-the-art Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club in Abu Dhabi which was founded by HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and is run under the patronage and directives of his son, HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

AT A GLANCE
What: HH President of the UAE Polo Tournament
When: March 11-27
Where: Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Abu Dhabi
Teams: 6 Polo Teams
Tournament Handicap: 18 Handicap
Watch it Live: www.presidentpolocup.ae
Notes: Crowd Cancelled

EVENT SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
• Governing Partner: Abu Dhabi Sports Council
• In association with: Emirates Polo Association
• Event Sponsors:
• YAS Capital Investments
• YAS International Properties LLC
• YAS International Development
• YAS International Holding
• YAS International Investment
• La Roche Pharmacy

Official Car:
• Premier Motors – Maserati