Thu 17th Sep 2026Las Monjitas and La Irenita Through to Jockey Club Open Final Las Monjitas edge La Natividad La Dolfina in extra chukka thriller
Las Monjitas and La Irenita have secured their places in the Final of the 61st Jockey Club Open Copa Eminent after contrasting Semi Final victories in San Isidro on Wednesday 16 September.
Las Monjitas produced the drama of the day, defeating La Natividad La Dolfina 16-15 in an extra chukka to avenge their defeat during the qualifying stages. La Natividad La Dolfina made the stronger start and led 6-4 after two chukkas, but Las Monjitas fought back to level the scores at 7-7 in the third. Little separated the teams thereafter, with the scores tied 13-13 after five chukkas and 15-15 at the end of regulation time. The match headed into an extra chukka, where Rufino Bensadón converted the decisive penalty to secure a thrilling 16-15 victory and Las Monjitas' place in the Final. Bensadón's Dolfina Miley was named Best Argentine Polo Pony.
The second Semi Final proved considerably more straightforward, with La Irenita producing a dominant performance to defeat La Fe 11-4. La Irenita raced into a 5-0 advantage after two chukkas and never relinquished control. They extended their lead to 7-2 at halftime before continuing to dictate the second half, eventually completing an emphatic seven-goal victory. Beltrán Laulhé's Machitos Marqueta received the Best Argentine Polo Pony award.
Las Monjitas and La Irenita will now meet in the Final on Saturday 19 September at 3pm on Jockey Club Ground 1.
The 61st Jockey Club Open Final teams:
Las Monjitas (32): Rufino Bensadón (8), Lucas Criado (h) (8), Juan Britos (8) & Jerónimo del Carril (8)
La Irenita (33): Beltrán Laulhé (8), Paco de Narváez (8), Pablo Mac Donough (10) & Matías Mac Donough (h) (7)
Photograph: Even nearside neck shot magic from Poroto wasn’t enough to secure the Semis spot. By Matías Callejo / Abierto del Jockey Club
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