The Bienvenida Cup, the opening tournament of the 2021 season in Sotogrande, came to an end on Sunday, May 16, in what was the start of a new era for polo in Spain.

The tournament saw four teams, up to 8 goals, compete. The final, played at Ayala Polo Club, saw John Smith claim a 6-5 win over Horseware Ireland. This new era for polo in Sotogrande sees Ayala as the main host, supported by Minuto Siete, Dos Lunas Polo & Dressage Club, and Santa María Polo Club.

This season promises to be a memorable one, running through to the end of August, the month when the high goal returns to Sotogrande.

FINAL BIENVENIDA CUP: JOHN SMITH 6-5 HORSEWARE IRELAND

JOHN SMITH: Gabriel Aguirre 0, Flora Larkin -1, Gabriel Jesús Cobino 3, Santiago Laborde 6. Total: 8.

HORSEWARE IRELAND: Emmet Connolly 0, Agustín Perego 2, Patricio Neves 4, Daniel Gariador 2. Total: 8.

Umpire: Federico Martelli.

MVP: Patricio Neves. 

Fair Play Award: Gabriel Aguirre. 

BPP: Manteca, ridden by Santiago Laborde, owned by Iñigo Zóbel.

FINAL COPA CANCHA II: RHONE HILL 8-4 LOS SCHATZIES

RHONE HILL: Patrick Heffron 0, Martín Di Paola 0, Gonzalo López Vargas 4, Lucas Di Paola 4. Total: 8.

LOS SCHATZIES: Jella Herzer 0, Mauricio Bolaña 0, Juan Otharan 1, Genaro Ringa 7. Total: 8.

Action in Sotogrande continues with the San Enrique de Guadiaro Cup, played from May 20-23, for 6-8 goal teams.