Habtoor claimed the Dubai Silver Cup after defeating title holders UAE Polo 10-8, in the championship match that took place on Saturday at the magnificent Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Therefore, Mohammed Al Habtoor’s foursome clinched the cup undefeated, while Sheikha Maitha and her boys were unable to repeat last year’s success. With Tomás Fernández Llorente subbing in for the injured Bautista Bayugar, Habtoor dominated the match and the scoreboard, while UAE Polo had to struggle against a tough contender who showed no mercy at all. Up to the fourth chukka, the match belonged to Habtoor who, by the start of the fifth and last chukka, had the deal almost said and done, with an impressive 9-3 advantage. However, UAE Polo unexpectedly bounced back, and produced five goals, but the valiant efforts didn’t pay off. At the end of the day, Habtoor were victorious and took the Dubai Silver Cup home.
WOLVES FEAST ON BANGASH
Meanwhile, the Subsidiary Insignia Cup went to Dubai Wolves by CAFU who beat Bangash 13-6.5. The initial chukker witnessed both teams adopting a defensive strategy, resulting in minimal scoring. However, as the second chukker unfolded, Benjamin Panelo emerged as a pivotal scorer for Dubai Wolves by CAFU. The teamwork of Dubai Wolves by CAFU became increasingly apparent and by the time the third finished the writing was already on the wall with Dubai Wolves by CAFU leading 9-3.5 and then 12-5.5 before closing out the match with 13-6.5 scoreline. Nada T. Rouviere, President of Insignia honoured the teams during the presentation ceremony, with Habtoor’s Juan Jauretche picking the Most Valuable Player award, Pocahontas ridden by José Araya being adjudged the Best Playing Pony, and GT Arizona ridden by Lukin Monteverde nicking the Best Playing Pony for Argentine breed award.
