USPA Gold Cup Final Electrifies Sold-Out Crowd

USPA Gold Cup Final Electrifies Sold-Out Crowd

Dubai Defeats Audi, 12-11, Capturing First Major Title in U.S. High-Goal Polo

 

In the final three minutes of the game, Dubai scored a goal to cinch a white-knuckle victory over Audi at Sunday’s USPA Gold Cup final at the International Polo Club. The tension was high at the halftime divot stomp, with the score tied at 7-7. With the world’s best and fastest polo ponies racing down the field, both teams aggressively sought to make every goal with intense stickwork and brilliant scoring. After the halftime deadlock, Adolfo Cambiaso scored two back-to-back goals, giving Dubai a tenuous lead. Audi took control of the fifth chukker, shutting down Dubai’s attack and going into the final chukker with a score of 10-10. Cambiaso converted a 30-yard penalty shot in the sixth chukker for an 11-10 Dubai lead. Audi’s Freddie Manix answered the challenge with a goal to tie the game at 11-11. Facundo Sola scored the final goal of the game with two minutes and 57 seconds on the clock, and Dubai was able to hold on until the final horn sounded, resulting in Dubai’s Gold Cup title win.

 

Facundo Sola was named MVP, and Flo, the horse used by Cambiaso, was named Best Playing Pony.

 

Bunny, Bonnets, and Sunday Brunch

 

The Easter Bunny kept with tradition by decorating the expansive Engel & Vӧlkers Field with over 8,000, brightly colored Easter eggs for the children to collect. Hundreds of youngsters in their fashionable finest raced across the field filling baskets, while their parents cheered them on. Chukker joined the festivities, dancing with the Easter Bunny and posing for photos. 

 

Stylish Hats and Fashionable Dresses 

Hats are the traditional fashion accessory for Easter, and at Sunday polo, bonnets are the ultimate style statement of glamorous, feminine elegance that is the ultimate finish to an exquisite outfit.

Discerning fashionistas sported beautiful and contemporary designs that included bold and creative fascinators, wide-brimmed hats embellished with feathers and silk flowers, chic, pastel berets, and woven straw numbers with broad ribbon bands that rival the royals at Ascot. The exclusive Veuve Clicquot Lounge, Coco Polo Lounge, and Lilly Pulitzer annual Easter Bonnet contest was not held to rules or limitations. Women of impeccable taste did not disappoint, wearing head-turning numbers that delighted the judges and spectators, and certainly elevated the fashion of the day.

 

Polo Patriarch Bob Daniels Honored

 

Stadium flags at Sunday’s USPA Gold Cup final were flown at half-staff in honor of polo patriarch Bob Daniels, 74. Daniels died early Saturday morning from injuries sustained during a game last week.

Before Sunday’s match, his five sons, including his three youngest, Justin, Benji, and Landon, all top junior polo players taught by their father, rode out to midfield, in his honor, with a riderless horse led by his top pro and coach Tomas Goti. The sellout crowd held a moment of silence for one of the sport’s pioneers and most beloved players.