Gstaad Palace reaches the summit

In this spectacular setting, nestled in the idyllic Swiss Alps, the 28th edition of the Hublot Polo Gold Cup ended this Sunday with a final full of flair. Four Swiss players took to the field, including team captain Markus Graeff, who led Gstaad Palace to a memorable victory.

At 1:30 p.m., the subsidiary final set the tone with open, fast-paced play between two teams determined to leave Gstaad on a positive note. Less tense than Saturday’s semifinals, the match unfolded in a spirit of true sportsmanship, with each team freely expressing their game.

Nicolás Pieres finds his rhythm

More comfortable on the field than in the semis, Nicolás Pieres (4 goals) found his rhythm and steered Team Kielder Agro Group to a narrow but meaningful 8–7 win over Adrian Laplacette Jr. (5 goals), ever inspired in his game reading.

“This was my first time in Gstaad and I hope it won’t be the last!” said the Argentine star after the match. “It’s just fabulous here, so beautiful… But the field is quite unique. To be honest, on the first day, I felt out of sorts;I couldn’t play my usual polo. But then I realized I had to play more directly. Now that I’ve adapted, if I come back next year, I promise I’ll play a very different game!”

The former 10-goaler will fly out to Buenos Aires tomorrow to prepare for the highlight of his season: the Argentine Open and the qualification of his Kazak team for the Triple Crown. “I’m pretty optimistic,” he adds. “It’s a team I really like, and this year with Pelón Stirling joining, I’m quite confident.”

Gstaad Palace: A family affair and a Podestá masterclass

The final started off cautiously, with players understandably showing a touch of nerves. But momentum quickly shifted in favor of Gstaad Palace, who took control and dominated throughout. Albinati Aeronautics struggled to break through a rock-solid defense orchestrated by Martin “Min” Podestá (7), with every teammate executing their role to perfection starting with captain Markus Graeff:

“It’s such a pleasure to play here. I’m the oldest player on the field at 73, and as far as I know, the next oldest is 20 years younger and most of them are between 20 and 30! I’m thrilled I could contribute… a little. I put this team together, and I’m proud of what we achieved. Playing here in Gstaad is wonderful. Each of my teammates played their part. I had my role to play, and I think I did it well. Like football, polo is a team sport. If I’m invited again next year, I’d be delighted to return.”

The captain’s son, Thommy Graeff, certainly did more than play his part, delighting the crowd with a stunning golaso

Doma Simoca, queen of the day

No horses, no polo. Most players will tell you that 70% of their performance depends on their horse. For this tournament, Min Podestá brought six of his top horses from the UK. Among them, Doma Simoca, a nine-year-old grey mare, was awarded the Best Playing Pony of the Final.

And it wasn’t her first trophy: “She’s already won several BPPs, including in the Copa Cámara final and the playoff match for the Argentine Open,” explained Podestá, who was also named MVP (Best Player of the Final). “She’s generous, tireless — I can bring her back into the game two or three times without issue. She’s easy to ride and always gives her best.”

A touching tribute to an exceptional mare, bred at the prestigious La Irenita stud. For connoisseurs: she is by Clarín out of Irenita Nazarena, both outstanding polo horses in their own right.

A tournament like no other

There was something truly special about this Sunday in Gstaad. A kind of enchanted interlude where the noble toughness of polo met the gentleness of this alpine setting. Among the crowd were former team captains now returning as spectators and loyal attendees marveling once again at the beauty of the venue and the warm, relaxed atmosphere that defines the event.

This tournament is unique. And it owes much of its character to the man who has orchestrated it for the past twenty years: Pierre E. Genecand, a passionate and demanding host, loyal to his team and to a certain philosophy of event organization, blending Swiss precision, a love of sport, and heartfelt hospitality.

Thanks to him and to those who stand by his side, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup has become a one-of-a-kind stop on the global polo circuit: a top-level tournament in an idyllic mountain setting.

TEAMS, SCORES & STATS

🥉 Subsidiary Final

Team Kielder Agro Group: Antonio Manzano (0, 1 goal) – Juan Pepa (2 penalty goals) – Bautista Bello (4, 1 goal) – Nicolás Pieres (8, 4 goals)

vs.

Team Hublot: Jürgen Schröder (0) – Antonio Grabosch (3) – Adrian Laplacette Jr. (6, 5 goals) – Juan Esteban Uribe (5)

Progression Kielder Agro Group: 1–2 / 4–3 / 6–6 / 8–7

🏆 Final

Team Gstaad Palace: Markus Graeff (0) – Thommy Graeff (3, 2 goals) – Martin Podestá Jr. (7, 4 goals) – Francisco Fucci (4, 1 goal)

vs.

Team Albinati Aeronautics: Luca Meier (1, 1 goal) – Patricio Gaynor (2) – Santiago Cernadas (7, 2 goals) – Fabian Bolanterio (4, 1 goal)

Progression Gstaad Palace: 1–0 / 3–1 / 6–3 / 7–4

🏅 Best Playing Pony: Doma Simoca, 9-year-old grey mare bred by La Irenita, ridden by Martin Podestá Jr.

🏅 MVP: Martin Podestá Jr.

🏅 Best Amateur Player of the Tournament: Juan Pepa, Kielder Agro Group

🥇 Top Scorer of the Tournament: Martin Podestá Jr. – 10 goals

Referees: Charles Seavill and Oliver Ellis