Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2013 action begins

One of the most prestigious polo events in the region kick´s off tomorrow

The Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2013 (Dubai Open) 16 Goal Handicap begins tomorrow, Saturday February 2nd at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club.

Two matches will open this prestigious tournament, the Silver Cup, in it´s fourth year of competition.

Ghantoot Polo, with argentinean star professional Facundo Sola, and Abu Dhabi Polo Team, 2012 Silver Cup winner, will play the inaugural match from 2.30 pm.

On the second game of the day, patron´s Rashid Al Habtoor team Mahra will face Bin Drai Polo, runner up of the 2012 Gold Cup.

The Silver Cup will be held till February 16 and the Gold Cup will begin on February 25 and the final will be played on March 15.

There will be six teams taking part of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series: Habtoor Polo; Mahra Polo; Zedan Polo; Bin Drai Polo; Abu Dhabi Polo and Ghantoot Polo.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, the tournament has grown in tandem with the city of Dubai.
With its exciting mix of top-class sportsmanship and glamour, it has earned a reputation as one of the most prestigious events on the international polo calendar. It’s also one of the most important annual tournaments in the region and always attracts a high profile crowd. This year it looks set to be more popular than ever and some of the most respected names from the world of polo have confirmed their participation.

As always the Dubai Polo Gold Cup series promises the very best in sportsmanship, entertainment of the highest level and an atmosphere unlike any other polo event.

“I am proud to see Dubai playing host to yet another top polo event,” said Mohammed Al Habtoor, the Chairman of the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series during the presentation of the tournament last sunday 27th January. “Each year the event reaches new heights. Dubai has quickly gained popularity and found its place on the Polo world stage. In 2012 the Dubai Gold Cup Series was recognised by the World Polo Tour (WPT). We have been privileged to attract some big names to the event year after year. Of course it is lovely to see many familiar faces (players, officials and spectators), but it is also great to see new faces on and off the field. This year we have upped the stakes by increasing the handicap from 15 to 16 goals. This means the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series (Dubai Open) is now the highest handicapped tournament in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. A great achievement! Last year I was fortunate to lead my team to victory.”