Tue 17th Feb 2026Standing Rock Win Milford NZ Polo Open A final chukka win in the 49th iteration of New Zealand’s biggest tournament
The Milford NZ Polo Open, one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most coveted and fiercely contested tournaments, came to an end on Sunday 15 February with an exciting Final between Standing Rock and The Brinks at Auckland Polo Club in Clevedon.
It was anyone’s game in the first half with The Brinks and Standing Rock trading goals to finish the third chukka all tied up at 7-7. Standing Rock made their claim in the second half with Jimbo Fewster scoring an impressive 12 goals throughout the game to seal not only the victory for his team, but also his Most Valuable Player title. Standing Rock asserted dominance in the final chukka, finally breaking the tie to raise the trophy with a hard fought 16-13 win.
The Best Playing Pony award was presented to Kahu, owned by Alex Richardson and played by MVP Jimbo Fewster, while the Standing Rock Fair Play Award was awarded to Experieco, recognising the team that best exemplified sportsmanship, respect for umpires, discipline and commitment to equine welfare throughout the tournament.
The Milford NZ Polo Open Final Teams:
Standing Rock (14): Steve Urqhart (0), Pier Müller (3), Jimbo Fewster (5) & JP Clarkin (6)
The Brinks (14): Matt van den Brink (1), Steve van den Brink (1), Will Harper (5) & Juan Gris Zavaleta (7)
Photograph: Standing Rock Team, winners of the 49th Milford NZ Polo Open. By Selena Wright
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