Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club

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, Polo News

Habtoor Polo and Abu Dhabi Polo Teams Will Go Head to Head at the Bentley Cup 2020

4. March 2020

It was a double-action day at the Bentley Semifinals of the Standard Chartered Gold Cup 2020 tournament. Four teams competed at the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club that resulted to a win for Habtoor Polo and Abu Dhabi Polo teams.

Habtoor Polo demonstrated a strong start until halftime while maintaining a two-goal advantage. Bangash Polo was able to close in on Habtoor by the end of the fourth chukker with goals from its patron – Haider Bangash and Frederico Potobsky created a tie early on the final chukker. Habtoor Polo matched this with two goals, and Facundo Sola’s 10th goal sealed the for Habtoor Polo team.

The second match opened with a goal from Juan Zubiaurre that was followed by a score from Habtoor Al Habtoor, patron of the Dubai Wolves team. The next chukker saw the Wolves took off and secured a three-goal advantage over Abu Dhabi Polo team. The match took an exciting turn when Martin Donovan delivered three goals in the next two chukkers. Alfredo Cappella started the last chukker with a goal. Juan Gris Zavaleta took the lead with a penalty shot, but Cesar Crespo levelled the game.

Tied at 8 goals, both teams raced to gain the lead that resulted in a sixth chukker. The strike for the golden goal was taken by Cappella within the first 10 seconds, and Abu Dhabi Polo claimed victory at 9 goals to 8.

Match Progression: 2 – 1 | 5 – 3 | 6 – 4 | 7 – 6 | 10 – 8
Top scorer: Facundo Sola, Habtoor Polo, 6 goals

Match Progression: 0 – 2 | 3 – 6 | 4 – 6 | 6 – 7 | 8 – 8 | 8 – 9
Top scorer: Martin Donovan, Abu Dhabi Polo, 4 goals

www.alhabtoorpoloresortandclub.com

© Thomas Wirth

It was a double-action day at the Bentley Semifinals of the Standard Chartered Gold Cup 2020 tournament. Four teams competed at the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club…

Asia, Polo News

Mahra/LLVC Polo Team Won the Sir Winston Churchill Cup 2019

16. December 2019

Another polo tournament has come to an exciting close as Habtoor Polo faced Bangash / LLVC at the Final of the Sir Winston Churchill Cup 2019.

The match kicked off with a half goal lead for Mahra/LLVC polo team, and the first chukker ended with 2 goals to 2.5. Past halftime, Mahra/LLVC were at a 2.5 goal advantage over Habtoor that continued until the end of the penultimate chukker. Habtoor Polo raced to score goals to take the lead from its opponent at the final chukker and nearly created a tied score situation. Not missing a beat, Mahra/LLVC defended its position and delivered 2 more goals that secured the win for the team at 8.5 goals to 6.

The Club had offered its usual Friday Polo Picnic – a tailgating tradition in the polo circuit. Guests watched the match under gazeboes, and the children spent their time in a dedicated Kids Area. The anticipated Run-N-Hunt drew participation from the crowd and the lucky winners won prizes worth a total of AED 10,000 in cash and gift items. The best-dressed lady and gent were also recognized and were given prizes worth AED 2,000 each.

Shirley Laurel, Marketing Manager of Conmix Ltd. (a Bukhatir Group company) awarded the teams with Frederico Potobsky as the Most Valuable Player and Cosmetica as the Best Playing Pony.

The tournament is sponsored by Bukhatir Group, one of the largest and most diversified business houses in the United Arab Emirates. Its main interests straddle Construction, Education, Information Technology, Real Estate, Shopping & Retail, Sports & Leisure and Services.

www.alhabtoorpoloresortandclub.com

© Thomas Wirth

Another polo tournament has come to an exciting close as Habtoor Polo faced Bangash / LLVC at the Final of the Sir Winston Churchill Cup 2019. The match kicked off…

Asia, Polo News

A Win for Habtoor Polo Team on the Second Day of the Sir Winston Churchill Cup 2019

9. December 2019

The usual Friday Polo Picnic at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club was complemented by clear skies as spectators witnessed a match between Habtoor Polo and AM Polo teams.

The first goal of the match was delivered by Sheikha Alya Maktoum, patron of AM Polo team carrying a half goal advantage. Both teams played strongly but, Habtoor Polo gained a 1.5-goal lead by halftime and kept it until the end of the third chukker. The team’s excellent play allowed them to take off and grab the win at 9 goals to 5.5. Guests of the day participated in the Friday Fun Race and two lucky winners won prizes worth AED 3,000 in cash and vouchers.

The Sir Winston Churchill Cup continues on the 11th of December, Wednesday, with Habtoor Polo vs. Bagash/Mahra Polo at 15:00, field 3. The tournament is sponsored by Bukhatir Group, one of the largest and most diversified business houses in the United Arab Emirates. Its main interests straddle Construction, Education, Information Technology, Real Estate, Shopping & Retail, Sports & Leisure and Services.

www.alhabtoorpoloresortandclub.com

© Thomas Wirth

The usual Friday Polo Picnic at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club was complemented by clear skies as spectators witnessed a match between Habtoor Polo and AM Polo teams. …

Polo News

AM Polo Claims the UAE National Day Cup 2019

3. December 2019

The week-long tournament held to commemorate the UAE National Day was concluded with two exciting matches on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

The subsidiary final kicked off with a promising start as Green Gates Polo team gained a fast lead over Habtoor Polo, 3 – 1. Both teams scored goals during the next chukker, and after half time the teams were tied at 6 – 6. JJ Diaz Alberdi took the lead that was seconded by a goal from Habtoor Al Habtoor that primed Habtoor Polo for the win. JJ scored another goal and closed the match at 9 goals to 8.

Before the final, the UAE National anthem was played followed by the presentation of the players of AM Polo and Bangash/Mahra Polo teams.

The first chukker ended with a 1.5 goal advantage for Bangash/Mahra. The succeeding chukkers were a flurry of goals from both teams with Bangash/Mahra still with the lead by the end of the third chukker. The excitement went up a notch as AM Polo tried to catch up to its opponent as Bangash/Mahra strongly defended its position with 2 more goals making its victory imminent.

With 90 seconds left on the clock, AM Polo surprised the crowd as Alejandro Gowland scored a goal and Tomy Iriarte sealed the win with a 60-yard penalty shot. The match ended with a final score of 7.5 – 7 in favour of AM Polo. HE Humaid Bin Drai, Founder of Bin Drai Enterprises awarded the teams. Travesura was named the Best Playing Pony and Tomy Iriarte as the Most Valuable Player.

This Friday‘s Polo Picnic was in full swing as guests watched the matches in picnic style and the children amused themselves in a dedicated kids area. Three lucky winners received prizes with a total worth of AED 10,000 in cash and gift items during the Run-N-Hunt competition. The UAE National Day Cup 2019 is sponsored by Zio Technologies, a system integration firm with 16 years of experience across the Middle East, India and Africa.

www.alhabtoorpoloresortandclub.com

© Thomas Wirth

The week-long tournament held to commemorate the UAE National Day was concluded with two exciting matches on the grounds of Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club. The subsidiary final kicked…

Asia, Europe, North America, Personalities & Clubs, Polo News, South America

U.S. Polo Assn. Sponsors the First Edition of the Ladies Charity Cup 2019

25. October 2019

Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club will host its first Ladies Charity Cup on 02nd November 2019 in partnership with its title sponsor, U.S. Polo Assn. and in association with Pink Caravan, a Pan UAE breast cancer initiative. The Exhibition Cup brings together the strength of women in the Sport of Kings in support of breast cancer awareness.

The afternoon will be filled with activities for everyone to enjoy – two polo matches featuring some of the region‘s well-known polo players, charity lunch and auction, fun activities, competitions with amazing prizes, food and entertainment for all.

Mohammed Al Habtoor, Vice Chairman and CEO of Al Habtoor Group says, „Hosting our first-ever Ladies Charity Cup is a proud moment for us. Through the collective support of the playing teams, our staff and all the guests joining us on the day, we give our contribution to breast cancer awareness advocacy on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of women who are diagnosed with every year.“

“We love that we can use the beautiful sport of polo to bring fans together at this exciting event while supporting a cause that impacts so many of us and our families,” added J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, the exclusive worldwide licensor for the USPA’s global licensing program and parent organization to the U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “Today, women are making such a huge, positive impact on both the sport and on our brand, so we are supporting events such as this around the world as part of own Women’s Initiative Program.”

Dr Sawsan Al Madhi, Director General of FOCP and Head of the Pink Caravan‘s Medical and Awareness Committee said: “As an organisation dedicated to promoting and raising cancer awareness in the UAE, we believe in the power of partnerships to expand the scope of our work to improve the standards of breast cancer screening and treatment within the UAE, and highlight the critical importance of early detection.

“We are delighted to be joining hands with well-known U.S. Polo Assn. to further our goals for this worthy cause and extend the benefits of our work to a larger population across the UAE. Such meaningful collaborations reflect on our nation’s humanitarian spirit, and will boost our efforts in bringing early detection to the forefront and to serve as a key resource for cancer patients, their families and caregivers.”

A portion of the proceeds raised will be donated to benefit Pink Caravan under the non-profit organization Friends of Cancer Patients.

About Al Habtoor Polo Resort and 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 and Riding School 2019 – 2020 calendars for upcoming international-standard tournaments, competition and events. For more information: contacts@alhabtoorpoloclub.com | +971 4 4362222

About U.S. Polo Assn.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States founded in 1890, making it one of the oldest sports governing bodies. With a global footprint of $1.7B and worldwide distribution through 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, department stores, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women and children, as well as accessories, footwear, travel and home goods in 180 countries worldwide.

About Pink Caravan

Pink Caravan, a Pan UAE breast cancer initiative that falls under Friends of Cancer Patients’ umbrella “Kashf” for early detection of cancer. Launched in 2011 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Pink Caravan has garnered widespread recognition locally, regionally, and internationally, and therefore, has appointed ambassadors from different walks of life to promote and advocate its mission.

About Friends of Cancer Patients

Friends of Cancer Patients is committed to help cancer patients and their families get through their long and arduous journey of cancer treatment. Since its inception, FoCP has delivered moral and financial support to cancer patients and their families, irrespective of their nationality, gender, age, religion or ethnicity.

Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club will host its first Ladies Charity Cup on 02nd November 2019 in partnership with its title sponsor, U.S. Polo Assn. and in association with…

Polo News

AHPRC League off to a great start

5. November 2018

05 November 2018 – DUBAI, UAE: The AHPRC November League saw several teams compete at the grounds of the Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club between 02nd to 05th November 2018.

The league started with an action-packed weekend as the opening day match declared Kuwait Polo as the winner against Dubai Wolves with a final score of 6 to 4.5. Succeeding matches held on the 03rd of November were met with an enthusiastic crowd as Habtoor Polo defeated Dubai Wolves scoring 9 – 7.5. In between matches, the call for the Gold Coin Hunt was announced and one fortunate guest won AED 2,500 in cash and gift items. The day ended with AM/Rhinos winning against RA/UAE Polo at 6.5 to 4.

On the 05th of November, teams continued to battle it out on the field as Mahra Polo and AM/Rhinos closed the 4th chukker at 6 to 4.5 while Habtoor Polo delivered an impressive win over Kuwait Polo scoring 5.5 to 4.

Live sporting action, fun and two gold coins worth AED 2,500 in cash and items each, await the guests of the AHPRC November League Final on the 09th of November. The Club will offer its usual Friday Polo Picnic set-up wherein spectators can lounge under gazebos whilst their little ones keep themselves entertained in a dedicated kids area.

The AHPRC November League is sponsored by Al Hoty Stanger Laboratories. AHSL is involved with activities that include a wide range of construction materials testing, chemical analysis and microbiological examination of water, food and food products, environmental monitoring, metallurgical testing, non-destructive testing and calibration services.

Gold Coin Hunt prizes are sponsored by La Perle, Al Habtoor Riding School, Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Al Hoty.

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 Calendar 2018-2019 for upcoming international-standard polo tournaments or contact +97144362222 | contacts@alhabtoorpoloclub.com for more information on other events scheduled at the Club.