On November 30th, 2024, Dubai, UAE, witnessed a breathtaking display of skill, sportsmanship, and equestrian mastery as the UAE National Day Cup Finals reached an electrifying conclusion. The prestigious week-long tournament united elite polo teams and devoted fans, creating an unforgettable celebration of the sport.
Before diving into the highlights of the Subsidiary and Final Matches on this Finals Day, let’s first recap the action-packed matches from day one.
1st Day: Tuesday, 26th November
The tournament kicked off with all four teams in action, starting with an intense showdown between Al Faisal and Bin Drai. Bin Drai started strong, showcasing consistency with well-placed goals, but ultimately couldn’t match the speed and momentum of Al Faisal. Despite a slow start, Al Faisal found their rhythm by the second chukker. Tomy Iriarte shone in the third chukker, delivering an impressive hat trick and demonstrating his leadership skills as team captain, refocusing his team and securing a victory in the opening match.
Match Progression:
Bin Drai vs. Al Faisal
2.5 – 1 | 3.5 – 1 | 6.5 – 5 | 6.5 – 7
Final Score: 6.5 | 7
The second match between AM Polo and Habtoor Polo saw a slow start for Habtoor Polo, but they quickly picked up the pace in the second chukker with brilliant teamwork between JJ Diaz Alberdi and Juan Cruz Guevara. Meanwhile, AM Polo coming out strong from the beginning, maintaining intense pressure. The game remained neck-and-neck until the final hooter, making it a thrilling contest.
Match Progression:
Habtoor Polo vs. AM Polo
0 – 3 | 3 – 6 | 6 – 7 | 9 – 8
Final Score: 9 | 8
2nd Day: Thursday, 28th November
The second day of the UAE National Day Cup kicked off with high intensity on Field 3 as Habtoor Polo faced Bin Drai. The determination and sheer force from both teams were palpable, creating a fiercely competitive atmosphere. The match’s intensity led to a few interruptions with ambulance runs onto the field due to some rough plays. Ultimately, Habtoor Polo emerged victorious, but the spectators remained on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Match Progression:
Habtoor Polo vs. Bin Drai
1 – 1.5 | 3 – 2.5 | 6 – 5.5 | 9 – 8.5
Final Score: 9 | 8.5
The second match of the day between Al Faisal and AM Polo began at an impressive pace, with AM Polo once again demonstrating their skill in maintaining rhythm and control. Al Faisal faced challenges early on, struggling to find their footing until the third chukker. They rallied strongly in the fourth but ultimately couldn’t overcome the consistent performance of AM Polo.
Match Progression:
AM Polo vs. Al Faisal
2 – 0 | 4 – 2 | 6 – 2 | 7 – 6
Final Score: 7 | 6
FINAL DAY: 30th November
The subsidiary final between Bin Drai and Al Faisal was a nail-biting clash, showcasing remarkable skill and determination from both sides. The intensity was evident from the start, with Rashid Bin Drai opening the scoring early and setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle. Al Faisal, however, demonstrated incredible resilience and teamwork, steadily narrowing the score gap. Tomas Iriarte’s exceptional leadership and strategic play became pivotal as the match progressed, inspiring his team to push forward. Despite their relentless effort and impressive rally, Al Faisal ultimately fell short, leaving Bin Drai to claim the victory.
Match Progression:
Bin Drai vs. Al Faisal
1.5 – 2 | 3.5 – 3 | 4.5 – 4 | 6.5 – 6
Final Score: 6.5 | 6
The finals between Habtoor Polo and AM Polo delivered a heart-stopping showdown as both teams battled fiercely, exchanging scores from the opening moments to the final whistle. The action began with a dynamic start as Pablo Urquiza of AM Polo secured the first goal, setting the stage for an electrifying contest. JJ Diaz Alberdi of Habtoor Polo showcased incredible determination, quickly leveling the score with skillful plays. However, a series of controversial penalty calls by Umpire Nano Iturrioz, favoring AM Polo, ultimately proved decisive. Pablo Urquiza capitalized on the penalties with precision, securing vital points. As the sun set over the field, AM Polo clinched a hard-fought victory, and named as the UAE National Day Cup 2024 winners.
Match Progression:
Habtoor Polo vs. AM Polo
1 – 3 | 2– 6| 5 – 8 | 6 – 12
Final Score: 6 |12
Heightening the anticipation and prestige of the UAE National Day Cup 2024 Finals, Mr. Martin G. Pederson, Chairman of IFZA and Season Sponsor, had the honor of presenting awards to the players and the winning team. Ciro Urturi was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Finals, while Cascabel, owned by Sheika Alya Maktoum and ridden by Pali Urquiza, was celebrated as the Best Playing Pony.