UAE Polo Team Win in Dubai

On Friday 6 March, The Standard Chartered Gold Cup 2020 came to an end at Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club in Dubai, with UAE Polo declared the two-time champions. The team, led by patron Sheika Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, played in front of a record crowd, against Final rivals Am – UAE Polo, a team making its high goal debut this year. AM – UAE Polo were strong from the off, taking control of the first chukka, but UAE Polo’s Panelo brothers, Benjamin and Tomás, fought back in the second, ultimately tying the match 5-5 at the end of the third. In the fourth, AM – UAE Polo took the lead again, but UAE Polo made a comeback with goals from Brit Tommy Beresford, who put their team 8-6 ahead with one chukka remaining.
Beresford, on fire for UAE Polo, scored a 60 yard penalty to put his team ahead, 9-6. AM – UAE Polo didn’t give up, scoring another two goals, but a final goal from UAE Polo secured the victory and the title. AM – UAE Polo’s Jacinto Crotto was named Most Valuable Player, whilst Nobu, a Thoroughbred played by Tomás Panelo was awarded the Best Playing Pony honours.
The Standard Chartered Gold Cup Final Teams:
UAE Polo (): HH Sheika Maitha (0), Benjamin Panelo (4), Tomás Panelo (6) & Tomás Beresford (6)
AM – UAE Polo (): HH Sheika Alya (0), Jacinto Crotto (7), Santiago Cernadas (7) & Nacho Acuña (4)
 
Photograph: UAE Polo win The Standard Chartered Gold Cup 2020. Courtesy of Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club

Content courtesy of POLO TIMES