Sunday 22 June 2025
A French victory was already guaranteed in the Ladies Polo Nations Cup as the final pitted two French regions against each other – Normandy and Hauts-de-France. But Occitanie-France’s triumph in the main competition was the result of one of the season’s most thrilling battles fought against … Argentina. A hard-fought win, once again clinched in overtime.
It was a spectacular afternoon of sport for the spectators who came to the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly on Sunday. The main fields, swept by a refreshing breeze, offered ideal conditions for the horses to deliver a top-level performance. The crowd was captivated by the fast-paced play. Open polo, few fouls, and a high rhythm: just the way we like it. And to top it off, a dramatic finish. While Occitanie-France seemed in control (5-2) by the second chukker, Argentina steadily clawed its way back thanks to the masterful play of Matias Torres Zavaleta, who launched extraordinary attacks through a strong defensive line held by brothers Ramiro and Simon Zavaleta. Scoring 7 of his team’s 8 goals, including one in the final second of regular time with a run from midfield sending the match into overtime.
Ramiro Zavaleta: Golden Goal Specialist
Once again, the outcome would be decided by a golden goal and once again, Ramiro Zavaleta delivered with a brilliant nearside shot under the neck. Watching from the sidelines was his father, Diego, a long-time fixture of Chantilly polo, nearly fainting with emotion. The result: Isabelle Larenaudie’s team retained its title. For Elouan Badarello, the team’s young newcomer, it was his first major title at this 12-goal level: “Yes, my first big win, with an incredible team thanks to Isabelle and the Zavaleta brothers. It was a crazy experience. The match was really tough. We started strong, but Mati Torres is unbelievable. He can score three goals in three plays and bring his team back. But we stayed calm, didn’t panic, and stuck to the system we’ve used since the beginning of the tournament.” Elouan’s role was largely defensive, including marking Tomas Oviedo, but in some phases he found himself up against the fearsome Matias Torres Zavaleta: “It’s very hard to defend against him. You need more than one player, if you’re alone, he makes your life impossible. But it’s amazing to play against someone like that, and a huge privilege to have such a star at Chantilly. I’ve learned so much during this tournament.”
Ladies Polo Nations Cup: Comeback Victory for Hauts-de-France!
The ladies also treated the crowd to a fantastic match, likely one of the best women’s games ever played in Chantilly. Normandy, led by Argentina’s Milagros Sanchez, took early control, sending long balls forward to her teammates and leading 3-1½ at halftime. But then Hauts-de-France turned things around, with Pupi Sirvent and Anaïs Rezkallah stepping up in attack, well supported by their cornerstone Ambre Ploix: “I was expecting a very competitive and difficult tournament, and it really was,” Ambre said. “The teams were very evenly matched. We were already thrilled to reach the final… although we started the game half-asleep. It wasn’t until the third chukker that we got into our rhythm and flipped the match. Anaïs (Rezkallah, MVP amateur) had an incredible game. Actually, all the girls played a great match, and I’m so glad to have been part of it.”
A promising outlook for the rest of the season
These two French victories, in both the women’s and the main tournament, provided a spectacular conclusion to this third edition of the Polo Nations Cup. None of it would have been possible without the dedication of the team at the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly, led by Philippe Perrier and Club President Arnaud de Chênevarin.
But the season is far from over: a date has already been set for next week (June 27) for a France-Brazil test match at world championship level and, of course, from September 4 to 21, the club will host the 24th edition of the Open de France Barnes, a major highlight of the international polo calendar. Sixteen teams are expected, including some of the world’s top players amongst whom champions who have competed in the legendary Argentine Open.
Polo Nations Cup 2025 Final
Occitanie-France: Isabelle Larenaudie 0 (1 goal), Elouan Badarello 2 (1 goal), Simon Zavaleta 6 (5 including 3 penalties) and Ramiro Zavaleta 4 (2)
Argentina: Bruno Bensoussan 0, Tomas Oviedo 2, Juan Cruz Araya 3 (1 goal) and Matias Torres Zavaleta 7 (7 goals including 3 penalties).
Occitanie-France: 1-0 / 5-2 / 5-4 / 6-5 / 8-8 and 9-8
MVP Amateur: Isabelle Lareunaudie (Occitanie)
MVP Pro: Simon Zavaleta (Occitanie)
BPP: GT Luna, played and owned by Simon Zavaleta (Occitanie)
BPP AACCP: Aguara V10, played and owned by Matias Torres Zavaleta (Argentina)
MVP = most valuable player; BPP = Best playing pony; BPP AACCP = Best Argentine Studbook Horse
Final of the 1st Ladies Polo Nations Cup
Hauts-de-France: Bianca Verneuil 1, Pupi Sirvent 2 (3 goals), Anais Rezkallah 5 (2 goals) and Ambre Ploix 5 (1 goal)
Normandy: Isabelle Koessler 0 (1 goal), Alicia Prat 2 (1 goal), Marion Ambrosetti 3 and Milagros Sanchez 7 (2 goals)
Hauts-de-France (+½): 1½-3 / 1½-3 / 4½-4 and 6½/-4
MVP Amateur by Drimmer: Anais Rezkallah (Hauts-de-France)
MVP Pro by Drimmer: Milagros Sanchez (Normandie)
BPP: Grassfield Jaipur, played by Anaïs Rezkallah and owned by Pierre-Henri N’Goumou (Hauts-de-France)
Practical information
Live coverage on Pololine TV
Schedule and results on Chukker App at www.poloclubchantilly.com
PHOTOS
ABOUT THE POLO CLUB DU DOMAINE DE CHANTILLY:
Founded by the late Patrick Guerrand Hermès and a group of shareholders in 1995, and managed since then by Philippe Perrier, the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly covers an area of 130 hectares. Comprising nine grass fields and one sand field (arena), it is the largest polo club in Europe and since 2001 has organized the renowned Barnes International French Open, attended by the world’s best players, one of the 60 prestigious grass tournaments held every year on the grounds of the Ferme d’Apremont. Home to the French Polo Federation, the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly is open to all: all matches from April to October are free to the general public. poloclubchantilly.com – @polodechantilly
About U.S. Polo Assn. – Official Jersey and Apparel Sponsor of the Polo Nations Cup
We are proud to announce that U.S. Polo Assn. and the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly are renewing their partnership for the 2025 season.
U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the largest association of polo clubs and polo players in the United States, founded in 1890 and based at the USPA National Polo Center in Wellington, Florida. This year, U.S. Polo Assn. celebrates 135 years of sports inspiration alongside the USPA.
The POLO NATIONS CUP continues to grow, with a 12-goal tournament welcoming 10 teams from June 12 to 22, 2025.
U.S. Polo Assn. will also support the prestigious Open de France, scheduled from September 3 to 21, 2025. A major fixture on the international polo calendar, the tournament will gather 16 teams from across the globe, including top professionals—among them Argentine players regularly competing in the legendary Open of Palermo.
As part of this partnership, U.S. Polo Assn. will serve as the Official Jersey and Apparel Sponsor for all participating teams and for the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly.
In collaboration with the French Polo Federation, we look forward to an exceptional 2025 season of world-class polo in Chantilly.
Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly
Ferme d’Apremont SAS
Route de Verneuil
60300 Apremon
Highway A1> Exit 8 Senlis> Towards Creil. Approximately 7 km after the toll of Senlis, take the interchange to the right called D1330 in the direction of Apremont-Aumont en Halatte. At the stop sign, turn left and go under the bridge. Take the road through the forest, passing the Apremont golf course. At the crossroads turn left, the Ferme d’Apremont and the grounds of Polo will be on your left.