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hurlinghampolo.com
E V E N T N A M E L O C A T I O N D A T E
A C T I O N
EDUARDO GRUNBERG/IMAGESOFPOLO.COM
T O R T U G A S O P E N , H U R L I N G H A M O P E N A N D A R G E N T I N E O P E , A R G E N T I N A , N O V E M B E R - D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6
T H E T R I P L E C R O W N
From the Novillo Astrada brothers’ comeback to La Dolfina’s big win, it was a
banner year for Argentina’s premier polo tournament, says Héctor Martelli
A very successful 2016 Triple Crown in
Argentina has come to an end. Before
we begin, it is important to note that the
most competitive polo tournament in the
world featured the comeback of a single
La Aguada foursome, comprised by the
four Novillo Astrada brothers: Eduardo,
Miguel, Ignacio and Alejandro.
The last time the four brothers played
together was in 2011, in a line-up that
included the late and never-forgotten Javier.
In 2012, they split into two teams – Javier,
Miguel and Ignacio played for La Aguada,
while Eduardo and Alejandro formed
La Aguada Las Monjitas. Following
Javier’s passing in 2014, the remaining
four brothers got back together to play in
a 35-goal foursome during this past season.
Among the other teams, there was one
brand-new line-up for 2016 – El Paraíso,
rated at 35 goals, and comprised of Agustín
Merlos, the Toccalino brothers (Santiago
and Ignacio) and Ignacio Heguy. Alegría hired
Guillermo Caset Jr to make a 37-goal
foursome. La Dolfina (40), Ellerstina (39)
and Washington (33) remained the same.
The Tortugas Open marked the kick-off of
the Triple Crown, as usual featuring the
six highest rated teams, at an average of 36
goals. With La Dolfina and Ellerstina seeded
first, the teams were broken down into two
leagues. Titleholders La Dolfina took very
easy wins against their contenders in the
qualification stage. Though things were
a bit harder for Ellerstina, they managed
to make it to the final. Cambiaso and co
captured their tenth consecutive title of the
Triple Crown, which also meant they widened
their winning streak to 36 consecutive
