The C.V. Whitney Cup, the first leg of the Gauntlet of Polo, concluded Sunday, March 1, as La Dolfina/Scone (David Paradice, Rufino Merlos, Jesse Bray*, Poroto Cambiaso) faced The Dutta Corp (Dylan Rossiter, Lucas Diaz Alberdi, Facundo Llosa, Timmy Dutta*) at the National Polo Center – Wellington (Wellington, Florida), on U.S. Polo Assn. Field One.
Entering the final as the underdog against the previously unbeaten La Dolfina/Scone, The Dutta Corp relied on disciplined teamwork. The formidable foursome held its opponent scoreless from the field until the fifth chukker, combining relentless defense, explosive offensive and a surge of horsepower. Peaking at just the right moment, the white, blue and burgundy lineup delivered a statement performance, securing a 14-9 triumph and $25,000 in prize money.
The Dutta Corp took control early, fueled by a standout performance from Llosa. The 7-goaler entered the final with 24 goals in the C.V. Whitney Cup and continued his hot streak, adding six in the first half. Containing La Dolfina/Scone to the penalty line, The Dutta Corp carried a commanding 8-3 lead into the break.
After back-to-back goals from Dutta to close out the fourth chukker and extend the lead, La Dolfina/Scone found its footing in the fifth. Cambiaso and Merlos combined for four goals, but two clutch drives from Rossiter kept The Dutta Corp in front, 12-8. Outscoring La Dolfina/Scone in five of the six chukkers, The Dutta Corp closed out the match with two more goals from Rossiter and Llosa to clinch the championship.
A staple in the Gauntlet of Polo, The Dutta Corp’s first trip to the 22-goal final marked the first C.V. Whitney Cup win for the organization and all four teammates.
Dylan Rossiter was named Most Valuable Player for his contributions on both sides of the ball, including four field goals in the final. Best Playing Pony, presented by Palm Beach Equine, was awarded to Rossiter’s 10-year-old mare, Mega Povinciana (Ellerstina Picaro x Open Prometida), played in the sixth chukker. La Dolfina/Scone’s Jesse Bray was presented with the U.S. Polo Assn. Sportsmanship Award for his continued positive attitude, fairness and support of his peers throughout the tournament.
In partnership with USPA Global, both finalists selected a charity of their choice to receive a $2,500 donation with La Dolfina/Scone contributing to Polo for Life and The Dutta Corp to the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center.
All photos courtesy of ©David Lominska