Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup

Played in difficult, extremely soft conditions following continuous rain throughout the tournament, the final was hard-fought and close throughout.

Half-time saw the two teams level at 3:3.

By the end of the fourth chukka El Remanso led 6:5 and David Pelon Sterling put them ahead by  two goals, 7:5, in the fifth. A goal from Francisco Elizalde  brought the score to 7:6 before Polito Pieres took a spot penalty for Cortium to  equalise 7:7.

A tremendous backhand neck shot from Charlie Hanbury put El Remanso ahead  once again again 8:7 going into the final chukka.

David Stirling extended the El Remanso lead to two goals, 9:7, but Cortium fought back hard to equalise 9:9 with goals from  Jaime Huidobro and Polito Pieres on his impressive stallion Rolinga.

As the clock ticked down a final goal from Polito Pieres sealed the deal for Cortium 10:9.

Polito Pieres had scored eight goals for Cortium, six from penalties and two field goals.

The Veuve Cliquot Gold Cup was presented by Jean Marc Lacave President of Veuve Cliquot to Adrian Kirby.

Most Valuable Player award went to Polito Pieres and the Best Playing Pony award went to his stallion Rolinga owned  by Hernan Pieres. It was Rolinga's second BPP win of the British season.

Facundo Sola won the saddle awarded to the highest goal scorer of the tournament. 

Photo: Copyright Ben Anderson