Hotel La Tour victorious in thrilling Al Habtoor Royal Windsor Cup final
By Antje Derks
This is the second year that the Al Habtoor Group has sponsored the Royal Windsor Cup – the most prestigious trophy up for grabs in medium goal polo. The Al Habtoor Group has grown with the United Arab Emirates and while it is best known for construction, it is also recognised as a global player in many other sectors including hotels, real estate, education and publishing.
Eighteen teams took part in this year’s competition, which was spread over three weeks, with sides qualifying from both Guards Polo Club and Cowdray Park Polo Club. Coincidentally, all four teams taking part in today’s final and sub-final came from Guards.
Hotel La Tour defeated Aravali 10 – 9 to secure their place in the final and Black Bears had an easy win in their semi-final, hammering Lamrei 10.5 – 5.
Today’s match was close, with Black Bears receiving 0.5 goals on handicap. Sehr Ahmad’s Hotel La Tour made a strong start, leading Black Bears 2 – 0.5 at the end of the first chukka. However, Black Bears picked up and dominated the second chukka, opening a 2.5 goal lead. But, by the end of the third chukka, John Paul Clarkin et al had come back and were leading by half a goal.
A penalty three, ably taken by Simon Keyte put Black Bears back in front at the start of the fourth chukka. The lead see-sawed for the next few minutes but Black Bears had reclaimed the lead after Ed Hitchman scored a magnificent goal.
The final chukka saw Hotel La Tour dominate. This was largely due to JP’s awesome play. He scored the winner for his team, plucking the ball out of the melee and storming up the field, finishing the play with an under-the-neck shot from an impossible angle. The final score: Hotel La Tour 9, Black Bears 8.5.
John Paul Clarkin was named most valuable player, scoring seven out of his team’s nine goals. John Martin’s pony, Scarlet received the Best Playing Pony accolade.
The subsidiary final for the Mountbatten Trophy, played on the Duke’s Ground concurrent to the final saw an equally close game. Clarita took on and beat Momin Sheikh’s BHC Polo Team 10 – 9.
Earlier in the day, the Habtoor family themselves were in action. The Al Habtoor Polo Challenge saw Mohammed, Rashid, Tariq and Habtoor al Habtoor in action. The fathers teamed up with their professionals – Piki Alberdi and Justo Del Carril – to take on their two sons and a couple of other professionals.
Since today is father’s day, it is appropriate that the dad’s won, with Alshindagha defeating Habtoor Polo 5 – 3.