First held in 2001, the Open de France has grown into one of the most competitive tournaments in Europe. Over the past 25 years, the standard of play, the quality of the horses, and the size of the field have all continued to rise. Polo today is a different game altogether from what was played at equal handicap in the early 2000s. This year, the Ferme d’Apremont will see the full complement of sixteen teams take to the field, joined by more than fifteen players with Argentine Open experience — including two former winners: Nico Pieres, and, for the first time in Chantilly, Pelón Stirling, ten-time champion with La Dolfina. Sapo Caset and Alejandro Muzzio, both Palermo finalists, will also be there.
Some of the greatest players passed through this Open de France at the start of their careers, before going on to win the legendary Argentine Open: Juan Martín Nero, Pablo Mac Donough, Lucas Monteverde (La Dolfina), Pablo Pieres, Bartolomé and Jeta Castagnola (La Natividad), and Facundo Pieres (Ellerstina) are all players who have left their mark on the Abierto de Palermo.
The year 2020 was a turning point for the Open de France: the final in Chantilly pitted the Castagnola brothers – Jeta for Talandracas (France) and Barto for the Lions (Great Britain) – against each other. This edition really propelled the tournament into another dimension. Earlier in the tournament, the two teams had met in a historic group phase match that is still very alive in the memories of those who were lucky enough to be there that day: 29 goals scored in five chukkers!
At that stage, the Castagnolas had not yet won the Abierto. They would have to wait another year, and they would also soon become handicap 10 at only 17 and 19 years.
By the time Nico Pieres played in Chantilly for the first time in 2023, he had already won the coveted title: he was an eight-time finalist in the Abierto and had won it in 2012 alongside his brothers, Gonzalito and Facundo, as well as his brother-in-law, Mariano Aguerre. Together, they have won ten Argentine Triple Crown titles (Tortugas, Hurlingham, and Palermo). Nico has also won the US Open, the British Open, and the Gold Cup in Sotogrande, as well as the Open de France on his first appearance. He returns this year to try to win back the title with Kazak, who was eliminated in the semi-finals last year.
When Palermo Meets Chantilly
This 25th edition boasts a line-up that is nothing short of breathtaking. It is headlined by a ten-time winner of the Argentine Open: Pelón Stirling, Adolfo Cambiaso’s loyal lieutenant, who won those ten titles alongside Cambiaso, Juan Martín Nero, and Pablo Mac Donough. Thanks to Alexis Morange, who has signed him to his Octogone team, Chantilly will welcome one of La Dolfina’s living legends. Cambiaso is the only player who has not yet come to the Ferme d’Apremont. Perhaps soon? Other former La Dolfina champions will also be treading the Chantilly grounds: Guillermo Terrera (Eternal J), Diego Cavanagh (Brittany Polo, La Baule), and Alejandro Muzzio (Clinova, England), who was a finalist in Palermo in 2021. Another pleasant surprise is Sapo Caset (h9), who has been entered by Ian Galliène. Caset is a two-time finalist in Palermo and winner of the US Open and the Gold Cup in Sotogrande, two Grand Slam tournaments. Chantilly is a WPT Challenge Cup event.
While it would be impossible to list all the great names that have competed in the Argentine Open – the supreme benchmark of the sport – fifteen of them will be in Chantilly this year.
Among the eleven French team patrons (the others come from Switzerland, England, Belgium, Italy and Sweden), particular mention must go to the loyalty and ongoing support of Jean-Claude Le Grand for young French professionals. Once again this year, his commitment gives Julien Reynes and Louis Jarrige (h4) the opportunity to play alongside Guillermo Terrera.
Robert Strom (h5), the world’s highest-rated amateur patron, will captain his Sainte-Mesme team alongside his brother-in-law Clemente Zavaleta, also a former Abierto player.r.
To see the teams click here.
The women’s Open, in full flight
The Women’s Open de France, launched more recently, has nothing to envy from its older counterpart. In recent years, the tournament has seen the participation of several winners of the Argentine Open (the ultimate benchmark, just as it is for men): Lia Salvo, Nina Clarkin, Millie Hine and Hazel Jackson. Lia and Hazel have announced that they will return to Chantilly, where they will be joined by Hope Arellano (USA). Like Hazel, Hope plays at handicap 10, and she is already familiar with Chantilly, having won the Paris Polo Challenge there last year with the USA against France.
Women’s polo is booming: there are more players and tournaments, and the standard of play is constantly improving. We are seeing more and more women players on the field, and their commitment, technique, and riding ability make them a spectacle in their own right.
Three weeks of polo, from calm to climax!
The Women’s and Mixed Opens will begin on 16th and 4th of September respectively, with the finals taking place on the 21st of September. There will be a lively atmosphere, with a public village, entertainment, catering and grandstands in the heart of an exceptional natural site.
However, as connoisseurs know, some of the finest matches are played during the week in a more intimate, “campo” atmosphere, which is ideal for discovering this spectacular and accessible sport, which is far removed from the mundane clichés that are sometimes associated with it.
Free entry, easy access and a green setting are just some of the reasons to come along and be surprised… and seduced.
ABOUT THE POLO CLUB DU DOMAINE DE CHANTILLY :
Founded in 1995 by Patrick Guerrand Hermès and a group of shareholders, and managed ever since by Philippe Perrier, the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly spans 130 hectares. With nine grass fields and one sand arena, it is the largest polo club in Europe. Since 2001, it has hosted the renowned Open de France, a prestigious tournament regularly attended by some of the best players in the world; one of more than 60 grass tournaments held annually at the Ferme d’Apremont.
Home to the French Polo Federation (FFP), the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly is open to all: matches from April to October are free to attend and open to the general public.
poloclubchantilly.com — @polodechantilly