And it’s a wrap for the 24th. Open de France Barnes, the most remarkable polo tournament in France, that was played at the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly. And the winners were La Fija Sandbox, Arthur Madrid’s foursome who defeated Mungo in the championship match that took place on Sunday September 22.

The match had to kick off earlier than expected due to an upcoming storm; this meant that both finals – ladies and gentlemen – were played simultaneously, however in different grounds. Before the start of the games, the four teams paraded together in front of the spectators.

Going to the action, La Fija Sandbox had a stronger start in the first chukkas of play; by half time they were leading by only one goal. But suddenly, and due to an injury, Fran Elizalde had to be replaced by Alfredo Cappella. Mungo, then, took advantage of the situation and bounced back in the fourth chukka. However, La Fija Sandbox made an impressive comeback in the last chukka, outscored their contenders 5-1 and won the match and the title.

24th. OPEN DE FRANCE BARNES – FINAL – SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22

LA FIJA SANDBOX 12-10 MUNGO

La Fija Sandbox: Arthur Madrid 0, Rufino Bensadón 7 (7 goals), Francisco Elizalde 8 (3)*, Alfredo Cappella 8 (1), Nicolás Tomasevich 1. 

*Subbed in by Alfredo Cappella in the fourth chukka.

Mungo: Ulysse Einsenchteter 1, Bartolomé Bayugar 4 (4 goals), Ricardo Garros 5 (6), Pierre Henri Ngoumou 6.

Score La Fija Sandbox: 3-2, 6-4, 7-6, 7-9, 12-10.

Umpires: Peter Wright & Ben Turner. 

Third man: Jason Dixon.

MVP: Rufino Bensadón.

MVP Amateur: Ulysse Einsenchteter.

BPP: Oriental Griega, ridden by Bartolomé Bayugar. 

Best Polo Argentino Bred, presented by the Argentine Polo Pony Breeders Assn.: Gete Astrid, ridden by Rufino Bensadón. 

RELIVE THE FINAL OF THE 24th. OPEN DE FRANCE BARNES ON POLOLINE TV HERE.

Cover photo by Justine Jacquemont.