Tue 19th May 2026Balanz Capital/ La Hechicera’s Debut Win Dominant Victory in The Trippetts Challenge
It was a big day on Saturday 16 May as the second of the first two high goal tournaments to wrap up on the same day saw Balanz Capital/ La Hechicera produce a dominant display to defeat defending champions Gaston 17-6 and claim the 2026 Trippetts Challenge title at Cowdray Park Polo Club.
The tournament featured six teams up to the 22 goal level, with the Final taking place on the historic Midhurst grounds after a week of tightly contested matches which paid testament to the strength and equality of all the high goal teams involved.
Gaston entered the match hoping to retain the title they won in 2025, but from the opening chukka Balanz Capital/ La Hechicera imposed themselves on both the game and the scoreboard. While Gaston remained within reach in the early exchanges, the match swung decisively before half-time as Balanz Capital/ La Hechicera delivered a devastating run through the third and fourth chukkas.
Led by the outstanding Lorenzo Chavanne (winner of this year’s USPA Gold Cup and U.S Open Polo Championship), who was later named Most Valuable Player, the white-shirted side produced six unanswered goals across the two middle chukkas, completely shutting out Gaston and opening up a commanding 10-3 lead by the end of the fourth. Chavanne’s pace and attacking precision combined perfectly with the creativity and firepower of Camilo ‘Jeta’ Castagnola, while Ned Hine provided structure and control throughout.
Despite efforts from David Stirling and Beltrán Laulhé to pull Gaston back into contention, Balanz Capital/ La Hechicera maintained complete control in the second half, extending their advantage steadily before closing out an emphatic 17-6 victory.
The Best Playing Pony Award went to V8 Back Home, played by Lorenzo Chavanne.
In the Subsidiary Final, Ojo Caliente defeated White Crane.
The Trippetts Challenge Final Teams:
Balanz Capital La Hechicera (22): Pablo Galante / Claudio Porcel (0), Ned Hine (5), Lorenzo Chavanne (7) & Camilo Castagnola (10)
Gaston (22): Jean-Paul Luksic (0), Beltrán Laulhé (7), David Stirling (8) & Cruz Heguy (7)
Photograph: Balanz Capital/ La Hechicera raise The Trippetts Challenge trophy high. By Mark Beaumont
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