Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI: Ankora edged past Abu Dhabi in a thrilling final of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup, which took place at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club on Monday.

The nail-biting clash saw both the teams battled hard until the dying minutes of the game where Ankora finally emerged winner after overcoming their rivals 6-5. 

The inaugural edition of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup was held under the patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, in memory of Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed.

Sheikh Sultan was younger brother of the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who served as the President’s Representative and died in 2019.

HE Saeed Bin Hoofan Al Mansoori, Vice Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, Zayed Khalifa Zayed Al Aboudi Al Zaabi, Executive Director of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, congratulated the winners as they were crowned by HE Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and attendance of HE Amr Zedan, Chairman of the Saudi Polo Federation.

Earlier, in the subsidiary final, riding high on Ramero Cordero’s impressive four goals, Ghantoot B beat Anningsley Park Farm Polo 7-6.

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council was the governing partner of the tournament in collaboration with Emirates Polo Association, while Capex.com, Yas International Properties LLC, Yas International Holding, Alpine Rent A Car, Zone Waste Management and Recycling, Ateeq Farriers Best Choice, Midad Printing and Advertising, Amal Foods, and Wisdom Veterinary Medicines were the official sponsors of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup.

Numbers of fans watched the action live through Ghantoot Polo and Racing Club’s YouTube channel, while the Abu Dhabi Sports channels broadcast the final live.


© Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club

For replays on Youtube 
https://www.youtube.com/grpcuae

 

A dominant Abu Dhabi team continued their red-hot form as they defeated Ghantoot A to enter the final of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup being played at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.

The inaugural edition of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.

The tournament is being held in memory of Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed, younger brother of the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who served as the President’s Representative and died in 2019.

With Hugo Barabucci and Elena Venot spearheading the attack, Abu Dhabi gained upper hand after quickly establishing lead which they never relinquished during the entire match. Continuing his fine form, Barabucci scored two more in the third chukker to help Abu Dhabi stretch their lead to 5-2.

Ghantoot tried to stage a comeback when Ali Al Marri and Yosuf Bin Desmal Ghantoot scored in the last chukker but it was too late.

Tomorrow February 1, is the Grand Finals of Sultan Bin Zayed Polo Cup 2021, Sub final starts at 2 pm (GST).
Please watch us live on YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/grpcuae/videos


Ricardo Garros’ excellent performance propels Ankora to an easy win over RA Noon. © Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club

Venot’s superb field goal proved to be the last nail in the coffin as Abu Dhabi secured the ticket for final with a 6-4 win over their rivals.

The dynamic duo of Barabucci and Venot combined for six goals, leading Abu Dhabi to another victory at the Sultan Bin Zayed Field 2.

In the other semi-final, Ankora routed RA Noon 8-3.5 on the Sheikh Zayed Field. It was an easy win for Ankora, thanks to the impressive offensive performance of Ricardo Garros, who scored five goals, while Ankora’s superb defensive skills held RA Noon to just 3.5 goals.

Garros was well supported by Khalid Alomran, who scored a brace.

Abu Dhabi will take on Ankora in the final scheduled to be held on Monday. In the subsidiary final, Ghantoot B will face Anningsley Park Farm.

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council is the governing partner of the tournament in collaboration with Emirates Polo Association, while Capex.com, Yas International Properties LLC, Yas International Holding, Alpine Rent A Car, Zone Waste Management and Recycling, Ateeq Farriers Best Choice, Midad Printing and Advertising and Amal Foods are the official sponsors of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup.

Fans can catch the action live through Ghantoot Polo and Racing Club’s YouTube channel, while the Abu Dhabi Sports channels will broadcast the final live on Feb.1.

 

ABU DHABI: Ghantoot A will take on Abu Dhabi in the semi-final of the inaugural edition of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup.

The first edition of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.

The other last four clash will see RA Noon face Ankora team. The semi-finals are scheduled to be held at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club on Wednesday.

Ghantoot A, Abu Dhabi, RA Noon and Ankora secured their spots in the semi-finals after thrilling third round qualifications matches took place on Sunday.

In the first match, Ghantoot A had a perfect start as skipper Nasser Al Shamsi and Juan Diaz Alberdi scored two field goal to give them lead in the first chukker.

Anningsley Park Farm reduced the deficit. Later, Shamsi scored two more while Alberdi and Marri completed doubles to help Ghantoot A post thumping 8-2 win over Anningsley Park Farm.

Registering third straight victory, Abu Dhabi beat RA Noon 10-7.5. Hugo Barabucci was instrumental in Abu Dhabi’s victory. He scored seven magnificent goals.

Ankora edged past Ghantoot B 6-4. At the end of the qualification rounds, both Ghantoot A and B team were levelled on the points. A match took place between them to determine the winner. Ghantoot A won the clash to advance into the next round.

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council is the governing partner of the tournament in collaboration with Emirates Polo Association.

Capex.com, Yas International Properties LLC, Yas International Holding, Alpina Rent A Car, Zone Waste Management and Recycling, Ateeq Farriers Best Choice are the official sponsors of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup.

In a good news for the audience, as per the Abu Dhabi Sport Council safety regulations, the organisers will allow 30 per cent fans for semi-finals and the final, but with certain rules and regulations. Those who wish can also catch the action live through Ghantoot Polo and Racing Club’s YouTube channel. The Abu Dhabi sports channels will broadcast the final of the event live on Feb.1.

For live streams and replays, please visit our YouTube Channel.
https://www.youtube.com/user/grpcuae/videos

 

Participating teams will try to give their best as the third round matches of the inaugural edition of Sultan Bin Zayed Cup match at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club will determine the competitions semi-finalists on Sunday.

The first edition of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.

The third round scheduled for Sunday will feature three matches where Abu Dhabi will meet RA Noon at 2pm, Anningsley Park Farm face Ghantoot A at 3.30pm, and Ankora take on Ghantoot Polo B team at 5pm.

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council is the governing partner of the tournament in collaboration with Emirates Polo Association.

Capex.com, Yas International Properties LLC, Yas International Holding and Alpine Rent A Car are the official sponsors of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup.

Following the UAE’s COVID-19 precautionary and preventive measures, the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup matches are being held behind closed doors.

Fans can watch the action live through Ghantoot Polo and Racing Club’s YouTube channel. The Abu Dhabi sports channels will broadcast the final of the event live on Feb.1.

Earlier, during the second round matches, Ghantoot B beat Anningsley Park Farm 7.5-6, RA Noon edged past Ankora 7.5-6 and Abu Dhabi routed Ghantoot A team 5-1.

Both RA Noon and Abu Dhabi have secured their second consecutive wins and boosted their chances to qualify for the semi-finals.

 

For live streams and replays, please visit our Youtube Channel.

Images: © Ghantoot Racing Polo Club

Game4 – Ankora vs RA Noon

Game5 – AbuDhabi vs Ghantoot A

https://www.grpc.ae/fixture/

ABU DHABI: The inaugural edition of the much-anticipated Sultan Bin Zayed Cup kicked off at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club on Tuesday, with Ankora, RA Noon and Abu Dhabi opening their campaigns on a winning note.

The tournament is being organised in memory of Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed, younger brother of the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who served as the President’s Representative and passed away in 2019.

Taking place under the patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, the opening day saw Ankora lock horns with Ghantoot Polo A in the first match of the tournament.

Ankora dominated the proceedings from the beginning with Ricardo Garros scoring in the fifth minute to put his team ahead. He put another through the post following an impressive 30-yard centre field penalty shot. Tomas Iriarte then added another as Ankora ended the first chukker with a 3-0 lead.

Juan diaz Alberdi opened the account for Ghantoot A, but Iriarte and Garros added two apiece to their individual and team tally, while Ryyan Al Ajaji contributed another as Ankora cruised to a comfortable 8-2 win.

In the second game, RA Noon defeated Anningsley Park Farm 8.5-6. RA Noon took an early lead when Bautista Alberdi was on target in the second minute.

Anningsley Park Farm, however, were quick to erase the deficit, marching downfield from a knock-in to tie the game at 1-1 on a goal from Pablo Llorente.

RA Noon gained the upper hand, led by the efforts of two field goals from Alberdi. They stretched the lead after Tuki Ruiz and Rashid Al Falahi contributed one each.

Alberdi and Falahi combined again for two goals in the third chukker which helped RA Noon extend their lead to 7-4.

Anningsley Park Farm tried hard to bounce back and played an intense last chukker, effectively defending against RA Noon while scoring two goals, including an impressive spot penalty by Llorente, but couldn’t make up the margin.

In the last game of the day, Abu Dhabi beat Ghantoot B team 7-4. After a tense first chukker, Abu Dhabi claimed the advantage in the second chukker with Hugo Barabucci, skipper Faris Al Yabhouni and Elena Venot scoring to give them a 5-2 advantage.

Barabucci, a professional Argentine player, was on target in the next two chukkas to ensure his team’s victory. Ghantoot B’s Abdullah Bin Desmal and Noor Abu Khudra waged a lone battle.

Zayed Khalifa Zayed Al Aboudi Al Zaabi, Executive Director of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, said: “It’s a good start to the tournament. We look forward to seeing some exciting matches during their qualification rounds.”

The Abu Dhabi Sports Council is the governing partner of the tournament in collaboration with Emirates Polo Association. Capex.com, Yas International Properties LLC, Yas International Holding and Alpine Rent A Car are the official sponsors of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup.

Complying with UAE’s COVID-19 precautionary and preventive measures, the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup matches are being held behind closed doors, but fans can watch the action live through Ghantoot Polo and Racing Club’s youtube channel and live transmission through Abu Dhabi sports channels on the final 1st February.

The next round of matches will take place on Sunday.

For live streams and replays, please visit our Youtube Channel.
https://www.youtube.com/user/grpcuae/videos

Images: © Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club

ABU DHABI: The inaugural edition of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup will take place at the state-of-art Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club from Jan. 19 to Feb. 1.

The tournament will be held in memory of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed, younger brother of the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who served as the President’s Representative and died in 2019.

The event will be held under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.

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

The 14-day-long (4-6 handicap) tournament will see the participation of seven teams, including the hosts, who are fielding two teams Ghantoot A and B, Abu Dhabi, Bin Drai, RA Noon, Ankora, Sarissa Mo. All the participating seven boast a mix of the best Emirati and international players.

Keeping the Sheikh Sultan’s memory alive, the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club management named Field number 1 at the club as Sultan Bin Zayed field during the last season.

Speaking after the draw, Zaabi said naming the tournament as Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Cup is a way of paying tribute to him.

“Sheikh Sultan had a great love for his nation and worked relentlessly towards preserving its rich heritage. He had a special passion for heritage and loved falconry. Sheikh Sultan also had a great

passion for camels — an animal he had for long regarded as an important symbol of the UAE’s heritage. His humanitarian actions and generosity touched many people of all nationalities and religions.

Zaabi wished good luck to all the participating teams. “We look forward to seeing some exciting matches being played at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.”

Speaking about the event, Zaabi said: “This meticulously-planned tournament is expected to exhibit polo of a very high order, with great depth in ponies as well as depth in players’ skill on show.

“The event aims to throw up some enthralling polo as well as celebrate UAE heritage and tradition, a veritable treat for lovers of the kingly sport,” he added.

The tournament will take place behind closed doors in line with the UAE’s Covid-19 precautionary and preventive measures.

Abu Dhabi Sports Council will be the governing partner of the tournament in collaboration with Emirates Polo Association.

Capex.com and Yas International Properties LLC is the official sponsor of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup.

Sultan Bin Zayed Polo Cup – Live Finals Monday 2pm

 

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)

The Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club (GRPC) are leaving no stone unturned as it prepares to host the 20th edition of the ‘HH President of the UAE Polo Cup’, one of the most highly anticipated, High handicap polo tournaments in the Middle East.

As many as six teams, comprising some of the best Emirati and international players, will be seen in action in the tournament. The ‘President of the UAE Cup’ offers a lucrative purse of AED 500,000. The first match will be played on Wednesday, March 11 with the final scheduled for March 27. The tournament will be held over a league format with the teams with the highest wins contesting the Grand Final.

All games will be 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.

“The sport of polo in the UAE is going in the right way,” said HH Sheikh Falah in his address. “It is a historical occasion for Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of HH President of the UAE Polo Cup. “We are extremely proud of what has been accomplished at our club and the way the sport of polo has been supported, organized and carried forward into the new decade,” he added. “Creating a legacy is critical to any sport and this landmark year for the HH President of the UAE Polo Cup is testimony to what can be achieved if we do this together. This speaks volumes for the sport’s future in the country.”

HE Zayed Alaboudi Al Zaabi, Ghantoot’s Executive Director, echoed HH Sheikh Falah’s view and said: “Since it was founded in 1994, the Ghantoot Racing & Poloc Club has invested into the successful model created by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and which has been passionately carried forward by HH Sheikh Falah bin Zayed.

“Through their collective vision, the club has grown steadily from humble beginnings into a proud and permanent headquarters for top-level polo in the country,” added Al Zaabi. “It gives me great pleasure to announce that Ghantoot is all set to host the landmark 20th edition of the HH President of the UAE Polo Club at the magnificent Ghantoot Polo Club, which is the only Royal Polo Club in the UAE,” said Al Zaabi. “We can all look forward to two weeks of high-quality polo from some of the best exponents of the game in the UAE, together with some of the leading players from Argentina, and around the world. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our patrons, partners, sponsors and not least the fans for being with us over the past 20 years. “Good tuck to all the teams participating. I’m sure you will enjoy this just as much as well will watching you play.”

The 2019 edition of the HH President of the UAE Cup was won by Desert Palm who defeated the UAE Polo Team 10-8 in a thrilling final. Hosts Ghantoot Polo Team earned a consolation prize when they defeated Abu Dhabi Polo Team 9-8 in the sub-final.

 

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

 

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

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

 

© Thomas Wirth

The 19th Emirates Polo Championships International kicks-off on Saturday, December 7 at the Ghantoot Racing &Polo Club with five top teams battling it out over the next two weeks. Who are the players to keep an eye on and who are the favorites to lift the prestigious trophy on December 20?

For many, the Emirates Polo Championships International signals the proper tart of the UAE Polo scene.  It is a high-profile event that provides fantastic action, close matches, upsets and also produces some unsung heroes, like it did last season when Argentine’s exciting Tommy Panelo picked up the coveted Professional Player of the final award.

This year’s event has its share of star players, both from the UAE and overseas, with several big-name players from Argentine, ready to showcase their polo skills. The five participating teams are Abu Dhabi Polo Team led by long-time polo enthusiast and supporter, Abdullah Bin Desmal’s Ghantoot Polo Team, Abu Dhabi Polo Team led by Faris Al Yabhouni, Shaikha Alyaa Al Maktoum and the Al Habtoor Polo Team, Desert Palm Polo Team led by Rashid Al Bawardy and Heider Bangash’s Mahra Bangash Polo Team. The two highest rated polo players in the 10-12 handicap event are Santiago Cernadas (7) who represents a strong-looking Al Habtoor Team and Ghantoot’s six-handicapper Manuel Toccalino. A total cash prize of $100,000 is up for grabs with the winning team collecting $60,000 and the runner-up $40,000. The Emirates is widely regarded as one of the region’s most important polo events as it attracts some of the world’s top professional players.

 

THE TEAMS

Ghantoot (+12)
Abdullah Bin Desmal (0)
Mateo Lalor Bengolea (+2)
Esteban Costas (+4) 
Manuel Toccalino (+6)

Al Habtoor (+11)
Shaika Alyaa Al Maktoum (+1)
Habtoor Al Habtoor (+1) 
Santiago Cernadas (+7) 
Tomas Iriarte (+4)

Desert Palm (+12)
Rashid Al Bawardy /
Cachilo Marty Hgguy (+2)
Martin Valeny (+5)
Sam Intstone (0)
Ramiro Cardero (+5)

Mahra Bangash (+10)
Heider Bangash (0)
Tariq Al Habtoor (+1)
Tuki Ruiz Guinazu (+4) 
Federico Von Potobsky (+5)

Abu Dhabi(+11)
Faris Al Yabhouni (0)
Sergio Damian Quiroga (+2)
Hugo Barabucci (+4)
Martin Donovan (+5)

 

At A Glance

What: UAE Polo championships International

When: December 7th to 20th,, 2019

Where: Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club

Watch all the polo games live : www.grpc.ae – via Polocam TV

For more infos: www.grpc.ae

Official social media: www.instagram.com/ghantootpolo

 

EVENT SPONSORS

Governing Partner
Abu Dhabi Sports Council
Emirates Polo Association


Official Sponsor
Yas International Properties
Yas International Holding
Yas International Investment
Yas International Development
Yas Capital Investment
La Roche Pharmacy

Official Car
Premier Motors – Maserati

Sponsors:
Cassells Al Barsha Hotel
Bin Ham Travels

 

© Thomas Wirth
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