Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club

Asia, Polo News

Ghantoot to meet Habtoor in HH President of UAE Polo Cup final

29. March 2021

ABU DHABI: With third straight victory, hosts Ghantoot stormed into the final 21st edition of the HH President of UAE Polo Cup and set up a mouthwatering clash with Habtoor.

The two most dominant teams of the UAE will go head-to-head in a highly anticipated final scheduled to take place at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club later.

The final scheduled for Friday has been cancelled after the death of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and the Minister of Finance, who passed away on Wednesday morning.

Zayed Khalifa Zayed Al Aboudi Al Zaabi, Executive Director of the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club, expressed heartfelt condolences to Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and to Al Maktoum’s family, on the death of Sheikh Hamdan.

The showpiece event of the polo season is being held in the name of The President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and under the patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.

Ghanoot will be gunning for the second biggest title of the season after clinching the prestigious IFZA Gold Cup earlier.

The hosts qualified for the final following a narrow 10-9 win over Habtoor in the last qualifying round of matches held on Tuesday.

Raja Abul Jubain’s field goal put Habtoor ahead in the fifth minute of the game. Ghantoot responded immediately with Marcos Araya converting a 30- yard penalty.

Facundo Sola put through the post to give Habtoor slim lead by the end of first chukker. Ghantoot star and inform Argentine Pablo Llorente scored three in the second chukker to make it 4-3.

Quick to catch up was Sola scoring 2 goals for the team that levelled the game. Both the teams tried hard to gain upper hand as forth chukker saw flurry of goals.

The determining chukker had Marcos Araya score three goals that sealed the win for Ghantoot. Despite defeat, Habtoor advanced to the final after finishing second in the points table as they posted two victories in the previous rounds.

Delighted with the win and ticket for final, Llorente said: “Since we are the hosts of the tournament, so we want to lift President of UAE Polo Cup.

“Winning games in a row gives confidence to the team. We have really worked hard to reach here and looking forward to play in the finals where We have got to put our best foot forward and give our best out there,” he added.

Abu Dhabi Polo edged past Yas Holding Polo 11-10 in a thriller. They both will now play for subsidiary final of the event. Gonzalo Deltour scored six goals and played key role in their victory.

The governing partner for the HH President of the UAE Cup is Abu Dhabi Sports Council and it’s being held in association with the Emirates Polo Association. Event sponsors include Yas International Holding, Yas International Properties LLC, Al ittihad, Capex.com, Porsche Centre Abu Dhabi – Ali & Sons Co. LLC, Yas TV and Tack and Truck. Fans can catch the action live Yas Tv and at the official website of the tournament — www.presidentpolocup.ae

ABU DHABI: With third straight victory, hosts Ghantoot stormed into the final 21st edition of the HH President of UAE Polo Cup and set up a mouthwatering clash with Habtoor.…

Asia, Polo News

Dhs500,000 up for grabs as President of UAE Polo Cup begins on March 18.

9. March 2021

Celebrating 21 years of continuous success and providing a platform to emerging Emirati talents, the UAE’s only Royal Polo Club will open its doors for the biggest event of their calendar.

The country’s best players will be joined by professionals from across the globe as they compete in the 21st edition of HH President of UAE Polo Cup, being held from March 18-27. The event carries a prize purse of a whopping Dhs500,000.

The coveted competition will be held in the name of The President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and under the patronage of Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.

HH President of UAE Polo Cup, considered to be one of the most prestigious tournaments in Asia and the Middle East, sees four 18-goal teams composed of top Emirati and international players compete on the magnificent green fields of the iconic Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club (GRPC).

Participating teams are Ghantoot Polo, Yas International Holding Polo, Habtoor Polo and Abu Dhabi Polo.

The 18-handicap tournament is a round-robin league with the two top teams qualifying for the grand finals.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic last year forced the organisers to postpone the previous edition of the event midway. Due to the ongoing global health implications of the coronavirus and precautionary measures being implemented by the UAE government, the current edition of the competition will be held behind closed doors.

“We are in high spirits about hosting our high-goal tournament after a long withdrawal from sporting events in the past year. We will be seeing new and returning faces on the polo field in the coming days,” said Sheikh Falah.

“This edition of the HH President of UAE Polo Cup is more special as we are marking the 21st anniversary of the event. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our patrons, partners and sponsors for being with us for the past two decades,” added Sheikh Falah.

All the matches will be played under the banner of the Hurlingham Polo Association (HPA), under strict international supervision according to the HPA rules and provision of its umpires.

“It gives me great pleasure to announce that Ghantoot is all set to host the historic 21st edition of the HH President of the UAE Polo Club,” said Zayed Khalifa Zayed Al Aboudi Al Zaabi, Executive Director of the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club.

“This tournament is globally recognised and puts UAE at the forefront of the international polo circuit. We can all look forward to two weeks of high-quality action with some of the top polo players, together with some of the leading players from Argentina, and around the world competing for the honours. Good luck to all the teams participating,” he added.

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, established Ghantoot Polo Club in 1994 as the only Royal facility in the UAE. Today the patron of the Ghantoot Polo team, his son Sheikh Falah, continues his legacy through his love of the sport.

Desert Palm won the 2019 edition of the HH President of the UAE Cup after beating UAE Polo Team 10-8 in a thrilling final.

Ghantoot Polo team will be among the favourites this year as on Friday they lifted the IFZA Gold Cup 2021 following their victory over UAE Polo in the final at Al Habtoor Polo Resort and Club.

This was the second big title of the season for Ghantoot after they clinched the Emirates Polo Championship International in December 2020.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFJGO7UEDJQ[/embedyt]

Celebrating 21 years of continuous success and providing a platform to emerging Emirati talents, the UAE’s only Royal Polo Club will open its doors for the biggest event of their…

Asia, Polo News

Aref Al-Awani crowns Ankora as the champion of the Sultan Bin Zayed Polo Cup

4. February 2021

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

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…

Asia, Polo News

Abu Dhabi set up title showdown with Ankora in Sultan Bin Zayed Cup

1. February 2021

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.

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…

Asia, Polo News

Ghantoot A, Abu Dhabi and RA Noon enter Sultan Bin Zayed Cup semi-finals

26. January 2021

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

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…

Asia, Polo News

Battle for Sultan Bin Zayed Cup semi-finals hots up

25. January 2021

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.

https://www.youtube.com/user/grpcuae/videos

Images: © Ghantoot Racing Polo Club

Game4 – Ankora vs RA Noon

Game5 – AbuDhabi vs Ghantoot A

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

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…

Asia, Polo News

Ankora, Abu Dhabi start campaign with wins in Sultan Bin Zayed Cup

20. January 2021

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 much-anticipated Sultan Bin Zayed Cup kicked off at the Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club on Tuesday, with Ankora, RA Noon and Abu Dhabi…

Asia, Polo News

Inaugural edition of the Sultan Bin Zayed Cup begins on Jan. 19.

13. January 2021

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 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…

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…

Polo News

Pink Polo: YAS PROPERTIES SCORE EXCITING WIN OVER HOSTS GHANTOOT IN SEASON OPENER

20. November 2019

Pink Polo Exhibition match marks the start of a historic 2019-2020 season at the UAE’s Royal Polo Club which is celebrating its landmark 25th Anniversary year.

YAS Properties Polo Team celebrate on the podium after winning the Pink Polo Exhibition match at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club. They defeated Ghantoot Polo Team six goals to three in a match played over four chukkers. A Royal start to the proceedings at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club which was buzzing with anticipation and festivity last weekend. The overall theme was to raise awareness for breast cancer and to support the community through sport.

The Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club could not have wished for a better start to the landmarked new season when it hosted the tradition the Pink Polo Exhibition match at their state-of-the-art polo club in Abu Dhabi last weekend. This was the 10th edition of Pink Polo Day, an event which hopes to raise awareness for beast caner through sport and by bringing the whole community together to support each other in coping and dealing with the illness. The highlight of a day filled with exciting activities and entertainment was the polo match between YAS Properties Polo Team and the hosts, Ghantoot Polo Team. Victory went to the visitors who scored six goals against the three by Ghantoot. Ali Al Marri stole the show with a high-level display of polo during which he scored a goal in each of the game’s four chukkers. He was well supported by Yousef Bin Dasmal, who scored two goals, with the two women in the team, HH Sheikha Alya Al Maktoum and Petre B Spanko, providing them all the support in the field. Abdullah Bin Desmal top scored for Ghantoot while Khalid Bin Drai also put his name on the scoreboard., Maryam Al Hassani also showed she can mix it with the men with a good display of horsemanship.

Petra B Spanka saluted the spirit of the players on the field and described the match and atmosphere at Ghantoot Racing & Polo club as thoroughly enjoyable. “In Ghantoot, they always do things so perfectly,” she said. “The arrangements and activities were well planned and it was good to see so many VIPs and dignitaries attend the event to support breast cancer. It means a lot. “It was easy to play a game of polo, which can be rough and tough, in such a wonderful atmosphere and I think we all really enjoyed ourselves. “I was happy and privelidge to be invited to play on the YAS Properties Polo Team alongside HH Sheikh Alya, who is not only an amazing woman but a skillful polo player. It really was an honour to play on her team together with Ali and Yousef,” she added. “There was a lovely team spirit and I enjoyed every minute of the game and the different horses that I was provelidged to ride. “I am also very happy to see more and more ladies playing polo as it brings a new element into the game. Here’s to many more years of Pink Polo.” Pink Polo Day is supported by Yas International Investment, Yas Capital Investments, Yas International Developments, Maserati Premier Motors, and La Roche Pharmacy.

The activities also feature a demonstration by the Abu Dhabi K9s dog unit show, jiu jitsu and more after the tradition Balloon release ceremony. There were several marquees at the venue where women could undergo random tests for breast cancer and the reassuring message that was delivered was that the teatment in the UAE is free while the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) also encourages all women in the UAE, nationals and residents to avail of the screenings for the early detection of breast cancer.

An interesting feature of the match was the participation of women players in both teams.

SPONSORS: Yas International Investment, Yas Capital Investments, Yas International Developments, Maserati Premier Motors, La Roche Pharmacy, Noor Al Wasl Clinic, Al Rahba Hospital, Al Manara Pharmacy, Ahlia Hospital, NAMEANYTHING, Abu Dhabi Volunteers Pride, Zickerl Werkstatt, Bin Ham Trave

www.pinkpolo.ae