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hurlinghampolo.com
T H E C O R O N A T I O N C U P , R O Y A L C O U N T Y O F B E R K S H I R E P O L O C L U B , U K , J U L Y 2 0 1 9
A C T I O N
T H E C O R O N A T I O N C U P
Carolina Beresford describes how Argentina stormed to victory in one
of the most prestigious events on the international polo circuit
The Coronation Cup trophy, first presented in
1911 by the Roehampton Club to honour the
coronation of His Majesty King George V, is
one of the most coveted in test match polo.
Until 1939, the Cup was played by the winners
of the London Open tournaments – Ranelagh,
Hurlingham, Roehampton – and the
Inter-Regimental. But in 1971 – following two
post-war revivals, and a special edition to
mark the coronation of Her Majesty Queen
Elizabeth II – the event was established as an
annual international match.
Since then, England has challenged a guest
country for the honour of securing the trophy
every year.The most recent event was hosted
by the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club
for a second consecutive year, on a damp,
overcast day in late July.
The weather, always wise, foresaw the
disappointment that lay ahead for England
fans.The local team, even with their
champions – 2019 Queen’s Cup winners
James Beim and James Harper – were
outplayed by a superbly skilled Argentine
team. Lead by 10-goal role model Facundo
Pieres, Argentina also boasted a newly
crowned champion: golden boy Bartolomé
Castagnola.The 18 year old had just finished
winning his first Gold Cup tournament,
a competition he won exactly a week before
the Coronation Cup clash with England.
Playing alongside the Ellerstina back and the
boy from Cañuelas were Juano Britos, who
qualified for the semi-final of the Queen’s Cup
this season, and Facundo’s younger cousin,
Alfonso Pieres.
