Match replay: Ghantoot Polo – Habtoor Polo | UAE Polo vs Bangash Polo
Dubai, UAE – February 12, 2025 – The excitement of the Dubai Gold Cup 2025 continued as Ghantoot Polo and Habtoor Polo clashed in an electrifying match, delivering intense action and exceptional horsemanship at Al Habtoor Polo Club.
Ghantoot Polo entered the match with two victories in the tournament, while Habtoor Polo was determined to equalize with their single win. From the first chukker, the game showcased outstanding skill and competitive spirit, setting the stage for a gripping showdown. Gonzalo Ferrari struck first for Ghantoot Polo, setting the tone for an intense encounter. However, Bautista Bayugar swiftly responded, leveling the score for Habtoor Polo. As the first chukker drew to a close, Juan Jauretche secured an early lead for Habtoor Polo.
The momentum carried into the second chukker when Mohammed Al Habtoor delivered a spectacular goal from a perfect run down the field to the goal post, further extending Habtoor Polo’s lead. However, Ghantoot Polo was not to be outdone. Marcos Arya led the charge for Ghantoot Polo, sparking a remarkable shift in pace that saw them gain control of the game.
By the fourth chukker, Ghantoot Polo’s strategic play and rapid execution turned the tables, overtaking Habtoor Polo and claiming victory. With this win, Ghantoot Polo secured their third triumph in the tournament, further solidifying their standing in the Dubai Gold Cup 2025.
Match Progression: Ghantoot Polo vs. Habtoor Polo
1 – 2 | 3 – 4 | 5 – 5 | 6 – 8 | 7 – 11
MVP: Gonzalo Ferrari
The second match of the day was nothing short of a polo spectacle, as UAE Polo and Bangash Polo went head-to-head in a high-stakes battle that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Bangash Polo struck first, with Genero Ringa delivering a stunning opening goal that set the tone for an intense showdown. But UAE Polo wasted no time in responding—Lucas Monteverde fired back with a swift equalizer, igniting a fierce back-and-forth struggle on the field. Bangash Polo fought with grit and determination, but the seamless chemistry between UAE Polo’s Teodor Lacau and Monteverde proved unstoppable. From the third chukker onward, their precision, speed, and tactical brilliance gave UAE Polo the upper hand, turning the tide in their favor. With relentless attacks and impeccable teamwork, they surged ahead, ultimately securing a commanding victory.
As the tournament progresses, the competition remains fierce, promising even more exhilarating matches ahead. Stay tuned for more updates as teams’ battle for the prestigious Dubai Gold Cup title.
Match Progression: UAE Polo vs. Bangash Polo
2 – 3 | 6 – 3 | 9 – 5 | 16 – 5 | 16 – 10
MVP: Teo Lacau
The next qualification matches of the Gold Cup 2025 will be on the 13th of February:
15:30 – Dubai Wolves vs. Jehangiri Polo
GOLD CUP SPONSORS
Main Sponsor
BENTLEY
Bentley Emirates has been the official dealer and sole authorized importer for Bentley Motors in the UAE since 1983. Operating as a part of Al Habtoor Motors Prestige Division, Bentley Emirates held the title for “Number 1 Dealer in the World” for seven consecutive years (2011 – 2017), and regained the title again in 2019. In 2022, Bentley Emirates won ‘Retailer of the Year’ and ‘Sales Retailer of the Year’ at the Middle East and Africa Bentley Regional Dealer Conference. Officially launched in 2016, Bentley Dubai Showroom is the largest Bentley showroom in the world. Another state-of-the-art showroom was opened in Abu Dhabi later in 2020.
With four decades’ experience in the luxury automotive market, Al Habtoor Motors is one of the leading automobile distributors in the UAE, recognized with providing exceptional quality and first-class service. Al Habtoor Motors also has one of the largest aftersales facilities in the world, located in Dubai Industrial City.
Co-Sponsors
Salama Structural Engineering
SSE, established in 1987, in Cairo, Egypt. Is a professional engineering consulting firm working with the mission to provide engineering services in several specific market segments including Industrial, retail, residential, Government, Educational, Hospitality, HealthCare and Development Services.
Website: www.sseweb.ae
J&I
is a leading Korean company dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for customers by providing high-quality cosmetics and skincare solutions. At J&I, our vision is to revolutionize skincare by combining science, tradition, and innovation. We aim to enhance customer quality of life through high-quality skincare solutions, foster sustainable growth while maintaining trust and drive continuous innovation through advanced research and development to meet the consumer’s demands. J&I is dedicated to eco-friendly innovation by implementing sustainable practices in manufacturing and raw material sourcing. Our commitment to environmental responsibility includes using ethically sourced natural ingredients, minimizing environmental impact through sustainable production processes and prioritizing biodegradable and recyclable packaging materials. J&I actively collaborates with international partners to expand its global reach and provide top-tier skincare solutions to customers worldwide. By combining innovation, tradition, and sustainability, we ensure that our products remain competitive and accessible in the international cosmetics industry.
Website: https://www.carevise.co.kr/
Diamond Lease
Diamondlease L.L.C, a fully owned subsidiary of the Al Habtoor Group, was established in 1996 to offer automotive rental and leasing solutions, as an alternative to owning and maintaining vehicles, to Corporate and Individual customers in the UAE. Diamond lease serves more than 700 companies and multinational conglomerates operating in UAE, handling and managing their transportation requirements.
Diamondlease is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company with a fleet of over 8400 vehicles. It was the first local Car Rental Company in UAE to receive an ISO certification and has proudly held the accreditation since 1999. In recognition of its sound business ethics and outstanding customer service, Diamondlease was one of the first car rental companies to have been nominated as a member of the prestigious Dubai Service Excellence Scheme (DSES) in 2003. Diamondlease has been awarded the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Travel Awards being adjudged the “Best Car Rental Company” – Local Brand for 7 years in a row.
Official Apparel Sponsor
U.S. Polo Assn.
U.S. Polo Assn. is proud to be the Official Apparel sponsor of the 2025 Dubai Polo Gold Cup. Sold in over 190 countries, U.S. Polo Assn. is the official apparel brand of the United States Polo Association and offers sport-inspired, classic American styling to men, women, and children. To learn more about the brand and the sport of polo, visit tr.uspoloassn.com.
Website: tr.uspoloassn.com and follow @uspoloassn
Media Partners
Al Badia
Since 2008, Al Badia, the prestigious Arabic venture is devoted to bringing the latest news and views on the equestrian world, Polo sporting and lifestyle. In fact, it is a tribute to the age-old passion for the thoroughbred, an integral part of the rich Arabian culture.
Al Badia focuses a gamut of information on the highly valued sport of horseracing, including information about events taking place in the Arab world and about organizations and services sought by equestrians of all disciplines. Besides being a specialized lifestyle magazine to meet the refined taste of the equestrian community, it features a wide range of information including very exclusive coverages like interviews of the Sheikhs and the who’s who of the Arab world. It targets the crème de la crème of the society and is widely circulated across different regions of the Gulf & Middle East.
Al Badia is a good platform to showcase premium brands, as it has a wide readership comprising sports enthusiasts, socialites, eminent personalities, celebrities and the royalty.
Website: http://albadiamagazine.com/
POLO LINE TV
PLTV is the first online streaming polo site, broadcasting over 25 tournaments LIVE per year around the globe, reaching +200k viewers. The production and edition of exclusive content makes PLTV the most comprehensive polo channel in the world.
Website: https://www.pololine.tv/
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
Dubai Sports Council:
Dubai Sports Council is the official government body responsible for the development of the sport sector in the Emirate of Dubai. Under the Chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and its 14 Board Members; the Council supervises the work of nine local clubs in Dubai, six of which practice a variety of individual and or team sports, such as football, handball and archery; in addition to the chess club and a club devoted for those with special needs.
Since its inception in 2006, with the vision of creating a unique sporting community, the Council organizes various annual major Sports Championships and Conferences, in cooperation with multiple International/National sports bodies and Dubai Government Entities, such as the Dubai International Sports Conference, Samsung Beach Soccer Intercontinental Cup and the FINA Diving World Series; in an attempt to enhance the culture, knowledge and expertise of professionalism in all aspects of the field; from the overall preparation and/or execution of the event.
Dubai became the first Arab and Middle East city to host the Sport Accord International Convention in 2010, and stages the annual Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award, the most prestigious Award of the Middle East Region. Though the Council works on various major international sports events, it does not overlook the importance of spreading the awareness of a healthier, more active lifestyle locally; and in order to achieve such objectives, physical activity programs and initiatives, such as the Dubai Pulse Physical Activity program, the Furjan District Championships and the Dubai Beach Soccer League, have all been designed to target the various communities within the Emirate.
Website: www.dsc.ae
UAE Polo Federation
The UAE Polo Federation is the official governing body of the sport of polo in the United Arab Emirates. The association has been organized to promote the game of polo with the goal of improving the sport, coordinating the activities of its affiliated clubs and registered players and providing rules, handicaps and conditions for those tournaments, competitions, including the safety of participants.
Website: www.uaepolofederation.com/