David Paradice, Matias Gonzalez, Adolfo ‘Poroto’ Cambiaso Jnr and Adolfo Cambiaso. Image: Sarah Ebbett Photography/Scone Polo Club International.

Scone Polo Club International advance to Cowdray Gold Cup Quarter Finals

By Equestrian Life

Scone Polo Club International have scored a thrilling 11-10 win over Marques de Riscal at the British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup in the UK, securing themselves a spot in the Quarter Finals.

The team, comprised of Scone-born David Paradice, US-born Matias Gonzalez and Argentines Adolfo Cambiaso and Adolfo ‘Poroto’ Cambiaso Jnr, won their first two qualifying matches against Vikings and BP Polo, but lost their third game to Talandracus. Their win in Monday’s fourth qualifying match against Marques de Riscal ensured a top eight finish amongst 15 teams – thus gaining a Quarter Finals berth.

Monday’s game saw five goals to Matias Gonzalez, four to Poroto Cambiaso and two to Adolfo Cambiaso, and with the exception of the first chukka, Scone led throughout the match.

Poroto Cambiaso. Image: Sarah Ebbett Photography/Scone Polo Club International.

The British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup is the premier polo tournament in Europe at 22-goal (High Goal) level. In polo, players are rated on a handicap scale from minus 2 to 10 goals, with High Goal tournaments requiring teams to have an appropriate aggregate ranking – meaning these tournaments attract top players and horses.

Adolfo Cambiaso, considered to be the world’s best polo player. Image: Sarah Ebbett Photography/Scone Polo Club International.

Adolfo Cambiaso and Adolfo ‘Poroto’ Cambiaso Jnr, both 9-goal players, have tasted success at the Cowdray Gold Cup previously, with the father-son duo forming part of the winning Next Generation team in 2020. Since the trophy was inaugurated in 1956, Adolfo Cambiaso has been part of seven winning teams: 2014, 2010 and 2001 with Dubai; 2000 with Geebung; 1998 with Ellerston; and 1991 with Tramontana.

Scone Polo Club International, fittingly sponsored by iconic Australian outwear apparel brand Driza-Bone, will play their Quarter Final match on either Saturday 15 or Sunday 16 July depending on the outcome of further qualifying matches between other teams. So far, Scone is confirmed in the Quarter Finals alongside two other sides – Dubai and Marques de Riscal – with a further five places still to be decided.