And here we go! The wait is over, and the prestigious Triple Crown in Argentina kicked off on Tuesday September 24. A double matchdate was played at the Argentine Association of Polo Headquarters, in Pilar with La Natividad and La Hache victorious over La Hache Cría & Polo and Cría La Dolfina, respectively. The first leg of the most remarkable polo trophy in the world sees eight teams up to 40 goals, partake.

The brand new 40-goal lineup, La Natividad, and La Hache Cría & Polo opened fire, in a match that was completely dominated by La Natividad, right from the start. They started with an impressive 4-1 in the first chukka, until they reached half time 15-5 ahead. La Hache Cría & Polo were literally overwhelmed by their powerful contenders, and they could do nothing to avoid the defeat. At the end of the day, La Natividad, led by a outstanding Jeta Castagnola, who produced no less than twelve goals, claimed a 27-12 win (perhaps one of the highest scores ever), and earned the first spot in semifinals.

Up next, La Hache, recent winners of the 59th. Jockey Club Open for the Thai Polo Cup, and last year’s runner up, clashed against Cría La Dolfina. Following two very balanced first chukkas, La Hache took off in the third chukka, when they outscored Cría La Dolfina 3-0. From then onwards, La Hache seized the reins and overwhelmed a somewhat lost Cría La Dolfina, by earning wide and impressive advantages. La Hache were the dominant force while Cría La Dolfina struggled to stay in the game. Led by their flagship man, Polito Pieres, who scored fifteen goals, La Hache won 20-12 and will meet La Natividad in the first semifinal.

The 131st. Hurlingham Open will resume on Wednesday September 25, with the two remaining quarter finals, to be played in Pilar:

1,30pm: La Dolfina Saudi vs. Indios Chapaleufu

4pm: La Ensenada vs. Ellerstina

The final of the 131st. Hurlingham Open is set to be played on Saturday October 5.

131° Hurlingham Open – Fixture & Teams

Cover photo by Matías Callejo.