Mon 20th Jul 2026 Gaston Polo Team Take Home the Gold Gaston Crowned Cowdray Gold Cup Champions After Thrilling Final Gaston completed a remarkable run to The St. Regis British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup title, defeating previously unbeaten Dubai in a pulsating Final on Sunday 19 July that showcased the very best of high goal polo. Despite line up uncertainty throughout the tournament due to an injured Pelon Stirling (replaced by Gonzalo Ferrari), Gaston lost just once on their route to the Final, and saved their finest performance for last, clinching the win in a fiercely contested encounter to lift one of the sport's most prestigious trophies.     The Final exploded into life as Cruz Heguy, who entered the match as the tournament's leading scorer with 41 goals, converted a superb assist from Gonzalo Ferrari before Ferrari himself doubled the advantage to put Gaston 2-0 ahead. Dubai responded through Bartolomé Castagnola Jr.'s 60-yard penalty before the match settled into a breathtaking, positionless style of polo, with both teams attacking at every opportunity.    Dubai found their rhythm in the second chukka as Castagnola and Santos Merlos combined beautifully, while Antonio Heguy repeatedly backed up the team play to keep the pressure on. Jean Paul Luksic restored Gaston's lead just before the second bell, but Castagnola struck back within seconds of the third chukka beginning to ensure neither side could gain control.    The pace never relented. Cruz Heguy added another clinical finish before Ferrari launched home a spectacular long-range goal to stretch Gaston's advantage to 5-3. Antonio Heguy immediately replied from the penalty line, leaving Gaston narrowly ahead 5-4 at halftime.    Dubai levelled early in the fourth after Antonio Heguy recovered quickly from a fall to convert another penalty, but Beltrán Laulhé responded in style, scoring back-to-back goals to restore Gaston's advantage. Every attack was met with an equally determined defensive stand as both teams played relentless, man-to-man polo across every inch of the field, leaving virtually no room for error.    With the match delicately poised, Gaston produced what many considered the goal of the game to move 8-6 ahead, although Dubai refused to go away. A missed Gaston penalty and Castagnola's relentless pressure reduced the deficit to 8-7 at the end of the fifth chukka, setting up a dramatic finish.    The final chukka was played at breakneck speed. Gaston created several chances before Cruz Heguy finally found the goal to provide some breathing space, only for Dubai to respond immediately. Castagnola then produced an extraordinary run to goal on his awe-inspiring black mare Alberta Yarará, weaving through the defence, only to see his equalising effort drift agonisingly wide.    With Dubai committing players forward in search of an equaliser, Ferrari produced one final decisive run, cleverly focussing on maintaining possession to run down the time without allowing Dubai the chance to push the match to an extra chukka. Ferrari sent the ball towards goal, striking the post, but striking gold in the same moment as the final bell went in the nick of time, sparking celebrations as Gaston claimed a memorable Cowdray Gold Cup triumph.     Cruz Heguy was deservedly named Most Valuable Player, while Castagnola’s stunning Alberta Yarará, played in the final chukka, received the Best Playing Pony award. It was a Final to remember and a full circle moment for the Heguy family as their polo dynasty continues to deliver 70 years after Great-Grandfather Antonio Heguy won in 1956 and Cruz’s Father Eduardo “Ruso” Heguy won 30 years ago.    The St. Regis British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup Final Teams:  Gaston (21): Jean-Paul Luksic (0), Beltrán Laulhé (7), Gonzalo Ferrari (7) & Cruz Heguy (7)  Dubai (22): Tariq Albwardy (0), Santos Merlos (6), Antonio Heguy (7) & Bartolomé Castagnola Jr. (9)    Photograph: Gaston raise the golden trophy high as they celebrate their first ever Gold Cup win. By Mark Beaumont

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