In a vibrant afternoon and under the historic setting of the Hurlingham Club, La Natividad La Dolfina claimed the title of the 132nd Hurlingham Open, after defeating UAE Polo 12–9 in the final held on Saturday, October 4, at the club’s Lewis Lacey ground. Recognized as the oldest Polo Open in the world, the tournament marked the beginning of a new edition of the Argentine Triple Crown, the most prestigious circuit in international polo. The competition featured eight teams rated between 32 and 40 goals of handicap.
The champion lineup included Camilo Castagnola, Adolfo “Poroto” Cambiaso, Adolfo Cambiaso, and Bartolomé Castagnola Jr., all 10-goal players, forming a powerful 40-goal combination. On the opposite side, UAE Polo — composed of Polito Pieres, Lukin Monteverde, Tomás Panelo, and Juan Martín Nero — presented a solid and competitive plan, but was unable to stop the momentum of the green-and-blue team once they turned the game around, particularly from the fourth chukker onward.
The eight-chukker final began evenly, with UAE Polo setting the pace during the opening stages thanks to the efficiency of its well-structured system. However, from the third chukker, La Natividad La Dolfina fine-tuned its strategy and found the expected fluidity: quick ball circulation, accurate passing, and sharp finishing that tipped the score in their favor. Much of that momentum came from Camilo Castagnola’s stellar performance — he not only stood out as a key figure in the match but also finished as the tournament’s top scorer.
At 50 years old, Adolfo Cambiaso once again proved his enduring class and ability to dictate the rhythm at decisive moments. His goal to make it 11–9 near the end of the seventh chukker paved the way for victory. Bartolomé Castagnola Jr., as usual, delivered a solid performance, providing balance and control during the crucial stages of play. Meanwhile, although Poroto Cambiaso scored his first goal only in the final chukker, he served as the essential link across all lines, helping the team’s system improve from the third chukker onward.
The final score of 12–9 sealed a hard-fought yet convincing win, with the players agreeing that improved marking was one of the key factors behind the victory. With this triumph, La Natividad La Dolfina not only adds another title to the rich legacy of the Cañuelas-based organizations but also sets the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating Triple Crown season.
This was the first title since the merger of La Natividad and La Dolfina. Individually, La Natividad now holds three Hurlingham Open titles (2021, 2024, and 2025), while La Dolfina extends its record to thirteen (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2025).
.jpeg)
On an individual note, Adolfo Cambiaso achieved his 16th career victory at the Hurlingham Open, making him the most successful player in the tournament’s history. Meanwhile, Barto and Camilo Castagnola and their cousin Poroto Cambiaso now boast three titles each.
With the Hurlingham Open concluded, the focus now shifts to the Tortugas Country Club Open, the second leg of the Argentine Triple Crown, featuring the same eight teams that competed in Hurlingham. Weather permitting, the tournament will run from Tuesday, October 7, through Saturday, October 25, serving as the prelude to the season’s grand finale: the 132nd Argentine Open Championship in Palermo.
With its triumph at Hurlingham, La Natividad La Dolfina has struck the first blow and positioned itself as a top contender for the Triple Crown, a feat that has not been achieved since 2015, when La Dolfina completed the remarkable sweep.
La Natividad La Dolfina: Camilo Castagnola 10 (8 goals, four penalties), Adolfo Cambiaso (grandson) 10 (1), Adolfo Cambiaso Jr. 10 (2), Bartolomé Castagnola Jr. 10 (1). Total: 40.
UAE Polo: Pablo Pieres 9 (6, four penalties), Lucas Monteverde (grandson) 9 (2), Tomás Panelo 9 (1), Juan Martín Nero 10. Total: 37.
Score La Natividad La Dolfina: 1-1, 2-4, 5-5, 8-6, 9-7, 10-7, 11-9, 12-9.
Umpires: Gastón Lucero & Gonzalo López Vargas.
Third man: José I. Araya.
Juan Carlos Harriott Award to the MVP: Camilo Castagnola.
Javier Novillo Astrada Award to the Best Player: Camilo Castagnola.
Fair Play Award: Juan Martín Nero.
Daniel Kearney Award to the Best Playing Pone: Baysur Clara, played by Adolfo Cambiaso Jr.
AAP Award to the Best Playing Pony: Show Down, played by Bartolomé Castagnola Jr.
Best Argentine Bred: Baysur Clara, played by Adolfo Cambiaso Jr.
Top Scorer of the Final Award: Camilo Castagnola, 8 goals.
