Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club

Urgent Annoucement – HH President of the UAE Polo Cup 2020 to be postponded
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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 20th 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
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…
Ghantoot march on as brave UAE keep hopes alive
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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

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

 

© Thomas Wirth
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…
AL HABTOOR LEAVE IT LATE TO OVERCOME GRITTY BANGASH
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Facunodo Sola hits match-winning hat-trick in 5th chukker.

Al Habtoor’s leading player Facuno Solo could not have hit peak form at a better time as he scored a stunning hat-trick in a tense final chukker to help hs team defeat a gritty Bangash 12-9 in the 20th HH President of the UAE Polo Cup at the Al Habtoor Polo Resort on March 16.

Both team were lock at 8-goal each at the end of the fourth chukker, but it was Al Habtoot who came out stronger in the decider to strike four goals without conceding any, for a resounding victory. It was their second of the six-team 18-goal handicap tournament, following their 14-12 victory over the UAE Polo Team in an earlier game. One of the UAE’s leading polo clubs and tournament organisers, Al Habtoot comprise a strong team lead by Mohammed Al Habtoor, Felix Esian, Martin Podesta and the mercurial nine-handicapper, Solo. “I am delighted with the way the team performed under pressure,” said Al Habtoor. “The whole performance was very good right from the start. “We also won a tense match against UAE Polo Team which shows that we can handle the pressure. By playing this way and staying positive will also help the team to perform better. Overall out performance was solid and we look forward to our next match against Abu Dhabi (March 21).

“A win there will put us in a strong position in the tournament,” Despite losing two games on the trot Haider Bangash remained up-beat and said: “Full marks to our players for putting up such a spirted performance for the second consecutive match. “We lost both matches narrowly, which means that we can still mix it with the top teams. Perhaps we need to look at some things in our strategy and hopefully raise our game in the coming matches. Bangash play Desert Palm Polo Team in their third league match on March 21.

The ‘President of the UAE Cup’ offers a lucrative purse of AED 500,000.

The final of the tournament scheduled for March 27.  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, The Chairman of Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club  HH Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

 

FORTHCOMING MATCHES

Tuesday, March 17

2.30pm Ghantoot vs Abu Dhabi

4.30 Desert Palm vs UAE

Friday, March 21

3.30pm Ghantoot vs UAE

Saturday, March 22

2.30pm Desert Palm vs Bangash

4.30pm Al Habtoor vs Abu Dhabi

Tuesday, March 24

Semifinals

Friday, March 27

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

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

 

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

© Thomas Wirth
Facunodo Sola hits match-winning hat-trick in 5th chukker. Al Habtoor’s leading player Facuno Solo could not have hit peak form at a better time as he scored a stunning hat-trick in…
Hosts Ghantoot rally late for exciting victory over Bangash
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HH President of the UAE Cup 2020 gets off to a busy start.

Hosts Ghantoot Polo Team went on a blistering attack in the fifth and final chukker to overcome a two goal deficit and defeat Bangash 9-8 on an action-packed opening day in the 2020 HH President of the UAE Polo Cup on Wednesday.

Ghantoot trailed their rivals 6-8 with less than seven minutes to play, but two goals each by their Argentinian professionals, Pablo LLorente and Marcos Araya, helped them turn impending defeat into a highly rewarding victory.

Both Llorente and Araya totally four goals each for the match played on a 18-handicap format over five chukkers. The star player for Bangash was the irresistible Manuel Elixalde who scores six of his team’s eight goals in a dominating display of high-quality polo at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club. All the six participating teams were in action on a fun-filled opening day featuring competitive matches. Meanwhile, Al Habtoor’s Facundo Solo was in red-hot form scoring as many as 11 times in his team’s 14-13 victory over UAE Polo Team. The top scorer for the UAE was veteran Tomas Beresfors who struck eight goals in a match that could have gone any way.

The UAE were led by Her Highness Sheikha Maitha Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and also featured Benjamin and Tomas Panelo. In the day’s third match Abu Dhabi Polo Team dominated Desert Palm for most of the 35 minutes of action for a 8-3 victory. The leading scorer for the winners was Martin Donovan with four goals while Ramiro Cordero, Martin Valent and Manuel Toccalino scored a goal apiece for Desert Palm. The ‘President of the UAE Cup’ offers a lucrative purse of AED 500,000. The final of the tournament scheduled for March 27.

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.

Mr Zayed Alaboudi Al Zaabi, Ghantoot’s Managing Director congratulated the winners and wished the losers good luck for the remaining matches. “We could not have hoped for a better start to this prestigious tournament, which is held in the name of HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE.

 

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

 

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

 

© Thomas Wirth
HH President of the UAE Cup 2020 gets off to a busy start. Hosts Ghantoot Polo Team went on a blistering attack in the fifth and final chukker to overcome…
Ghantoot set to host 20th edition of ‘HH PRESIDENT OF THE UAE CUP’ 
with half million prize money!
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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 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…
STAGE SET FOR 19TH EMIRATES POLO CHAMPIONSHIP INTERNATIONAL With $100,000 Prize Money
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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
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…
18. Emirates Open Polo Championship International
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Emirates Open Polo Cup International 18th Edition – returns with Half Million AED Prize Money.

The 18thEmirates Open Polo Championship International, one of the most highly anticipated events on the UAE Polo calendar, will held at the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club (GRPC) from December 10thto 21st. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Falah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Founder and Chairman of the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, the prestigious tournament carries a rich purse of half a million AED in prize money.

This year’s renewal of the Emirates Open Polo Championship, a 14-handicap category event, will feature five teams – UAE Polo Team, Abu Dhabi Polo Team, Ghantoot Polo Team, Desert Palm Polo Team and Al Habtoor Polo Team.

Sheikh Falah, a keen polo enthusiast and doyen of the game himself, has given the Ghanoot Polo Team, a Royal seal of approval, and nominated Yousef Bin Dasmal as its skipper. “I believe that the 2018 Emirates Open Polo Championship will live up to all expectations and be just as exciting, if not more, than the previous tournaments,” said Sheikh Falah. “I wish all the teams the best of success and I’m sure we will witness some competitive and entertaining polo matches at Ghantoot. “I genuinely thank all our esteemed partners and sponsors, the club management, volunteers and fans for their continuous support of the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, for without you we would not be able to host such prestigious events as the Emirates Open,” Sheikh Falah said.

Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Managing Director of the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, added: “We are delighted to host the first major tournament of the season at Ghantoot. The Emirates Open is also a special event as it brings out the best in the players. “We look forward to watching some exciting and entertaining mates over the next two weeks here at Ghantoot,” he said. “The Emirates Open is a tournament with a rich history and has ceaselessly delivered the highest quality of polo and I’m sure that we can look forward to some very competitive matches. The standard of the sport is growing year by year in the UAE and this is very encouraging for club’s like ours to host a sport that is growing not just in terms of the players, but also the quality of polo horses. It all helps to raise the bar and ensure the successful growth of the sport in the UAE.”

Speaking at the official press conference ahead of the tournament, Jad Elias, Vice President Sales – Maserati, Al Tayer Motors, commented: “As the exclusive car sponsor of the Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club, Premier Motors along with Maserati is pleased to be associated with the Emirates Open Polo Championship. “We eagerly look forward to the matches that will be held as part of the first competitive tournament of this season, which promises to close 2018 with an exciting sign-off.

“The 2019 Maserati Ghibli, Quattroporte and the Levante will be displayed at the event giving equestrian sport lovers a chance to take a closer look at the luxurious and sporty vehicles,” Elias added. Abu Dhabi Sports Council is Governing Partner and Premier Motors – Maserati, the Official Car.

Akram Kanso, General Manager Business Development, Sobha Realty said: ‘It’s an absolute pleasure for Sobha Realty to be part of Emirates Open Polo Championship which commences in the next few days. “We are the official partner for the Ghantoot Racing & Polo club and are very excited with this association. Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club is responsible for hosting some very coveted events throughout the year and The Emirates Open Polo Championship is regarded as one of the region’s most important polo events. “The event will create the opportunity to showcase the pinnacle of talent in the UAE and region and with the tournament gathering together professionals and amateurs alike to help surge the sport’s popularity.’  

Each year the Emirates Open Polo Championship attracts a host of high profile players, prominent guests, ambassadors, dignitaries and sponsors.

www.grpc.ae

TEAMS

UAE Polo Team
Shaikkha Maitha Binto Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Nacho Acuna 4
Tommy Panelo 4
Feck Potobsky 6

Abu Dhabi Polo Team
Faris Al Yabhouni 0
Santiago Gomez 4
Guy Gibrat 5
Hugo Barabucci 5

Ghantoot Polo Team
Yousef Bin Dasmal 1
Bautista Beguerie 4
Cesar Crespo 4
Martin Donovan 5

Al Habtooor Polo Team
Habtoor Al Habtoor 1
Tomas Iriarte 4
Justo Chitinio 3
Tomas Beresfor 6

Desert Palm Polo Team
Rashid Al Bawardi 2
Juan Pedro Marty Heguy 2
Maxi Malacalza 3
Ramiro Cordero 5

 

 

Emirates Open Polo Cup International 18th Edition – returns with Half Million AED Prize Money. The 18thEmirates Open Polo Championship International, one of the most highly anticipated events on the…
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