Sotogrande hosted two thrilling days of polo during the finals of the Copa de Plata Terralpa (Silver Cup), the second leg of the 54° Torneo Internacional de Polo (54th International Polo Tournament).
On August 15 and 16, Los Pinos fields showcased matches of the highest standard, where Amanara (High Goal), Brunei Polo Team (Medium Goal), and Calatagan (Low Goal) emerged as champions.
The action began on Friday, August 15, with the Medium Goal final (12–14 goals) on Field 4. Brunei Polo Team claimed the title after a dramatic 11–10 comeback win over Electric Polo. Electric started strong, leading 6–1 after the second chukker. But Brunei’s composure and experience turned the tide. Matías Mac Donough Jr. orchestrated the comeback from the back, supported by the strength of Rosendo Torreguitar, the determination of Custodio Eleno, and the attacking presence of Azemah Bolkiah.
The match reached its climax when entering the final chukker, tied 8–8. Electric regained the lead with goals from Félix Esaín and Tomás Delfino, moving ahead 10–8. However, two flawless penalties from Mac Donough leveled the score, before Torreguitar sealed the 11–10 victory with the decisive goal. It was definitely one of the most exciting finals of the season.
On Saturday, August 16, the High and Low Goal finals concluded the Silver Cup weekend. In the High Goal (20–22 goals), Amanara defeated Black Bears 12–9 on Field 3 after six intense chukkers. The standout was Bartolomé “Barto” Castagnola, who scored five goals and was named Most Valuable Player of the final. Alongside Lorenzo Chavanne, he anchored his team in key moments against a strong Black Bears side led by an inspired Tomás Panelo. This triumph marked Amanara’s first High Goal title in Sotogrande, adding extra significance to their win.
Meanwhile, on Field 4, Calatagan triumphed in the Low Goal final, defeating La Capilla 12–8. Led by the outstanding performance of Ciro Urturi, Calatagan captured back-to-back titles in the Silver Cup in this category, underlining their consistency and growth.
The tournament also recognized excellence in horsemanship, awarding blankets to the best horses. In the High Goal, Tole Bombay (ridden by Castagnola) was named Best Playing Pony of the final, while Meta Alegra (also by Castagnola) won Best Argentine Polo-Bred. In the Medium Goal, Irenita Narración (ridden by Custodio Eleno) and Irenita Esperada (ridden by Rosendo Torreguitar) received awards for Best Playing Pony and AACCP Best Argentine Polo-Bred, respectively. In the Low Goal, Open Zelda (ridden by Santiago Irastorza) was honored as Best Playing Pony of the final.
The spotlight now shifts to the prestigious Gold Cup, which began on Monday, August 18. First held in 1971, this year’s edition features 20 teams: 8 in the High Goal, 5 in the Medium Goal, and 7 in the Low Goal. The finals will take place on August 29 and 30, promising another weekend of top-class polo in Sotogrande.
