It was predicted to be an uphill battle for England as they fought for an historic first victory against Argentina in the Coronation Cup. Sadly that is just what it was as Argentina maintained its dominant streak, securing a record seventh victory in this match, adding to their previous tally of wins in 1953, 1995, 2000, 2009, 2014, and 2019.
Argentina started with a goal on the board owing to the handicap difference and the visiting team drew quickly ahead, leading 3-0 at the end of the opening chukka. It was Ollie Cudmore who finally got England on the board in the second, flying down the field to receive a pass from Matt Perry, who had picked up a big hit from Tommy Beresford. Cudmore hit a fantastic, angled shot to bring the score to 4-1. Argentina quickly replied to make the score 5-1 going into the third chukka. Here they added one more goal to lead 6-1 at half time.
England came back stronger in the second half, putting three more goals on the However, Argentina – bolstered by some unbelievable horsepower – maintained their lead to finish the third chukka at 8-4. In the fifth chukka, England drew as close at 8-5, but Argentina’s early lead proved uncatchable as the visiting team drew further ahead (11-5) with just one chukka left to play. Argentina added two more goals, before Cudmore scored the final goal of the game, in the last minute, to make it 13-6 at the final bell.
The star of the game was undoubtedly the 14-year-old Rufino Lauhlé. He not only made history as the youngest winner of the Coronation Cup, but also scored an incredible seven goals for Argentina and stepped forward to receive the Most Valuable Player prize. This was a beautifully crafted saddle presented by Delfin Uranga, President of the Argentine Polo Association, on behalf of La Martina and PoloWorld Inc. The Coronation Cup was presented by the Argentine Ambassador to the UK, Mariana Plaza to Argentina’s captain Hilario Ulloa.
The Best Playing Pony, sponsored by Hurlingham Polo Equestrian, was awarded to Irenita Soprano. This mare was played by Rufino Laulhé and is owned by a visibly thrilled Facundo Sola. The Best Playing Retraining of Racehorses award went to Matt Perry’s Dark Hedges. This nine-year-old mare by Zebedee was formerly trained by Olly Williams.
The Gabriel Donoso Trophy, traditionally awarded to the captain of the opposing team, was presented by Gabriel’s daughter Olivia Donoso to Hilario Ulloa.
It had been a different story in the opening game of the day. Young England snatched back victory against Young Argentina to win the Whitbread Trophy. Young England (received a ½ goal on handicap) played superbly to keep their rivals at bay until late in the final chukka, when relentless attacking play from Young Argentina carried them to a half-goal lead with a minute to go.
Javier Guerrero took possession of the ball in the final 60 seconds, but a backhand from Louis Hine gave Will Harper the opportunity to bring the ball around and gallop towards the goal for England’s final chance. A nearside touch from Ned Hine took the ball to the left, where Guerrero who took possession with a backhand towards the centre, beautifully met by the Young England captain Tommy Severn, who took the ball forward under pressure from Argentina and scored a stunning neck shot to put England back in the lead 101/2-10. The clock ran out and an ecstatic Young England celebrated a fantastic victory on the Princes’ Ground.
Henry and Serena Whitbread presented the Whitbread trophy to Severn. He also received the KBIS Best Playing Pony title for Lovelocks Glowworm, a nine-year-old mare bred in Argentina, in addition to the Most Valuable Player prize. Ned Hine’s Secret Applause, a 13-year-old by Sakhee’s Secret, picked up the Best Playing ROR rug. Secret was a winner under Rules for Michael Dods.
THE CORONATION CUP
ARGENTINA: Rufino Laulhé (4); Carlos ‘Toly’ Ulloa (7); Hilario Ulloa (10); Beltran Laulhé (5). ENGLAND: Matt Perry (6); Ollie Cudmore (6); James Harper (7); Tommy Beresford (5).
THE WHITBREAD TANKARD
YOUNG ENGLAND: Louis Hine (5); Will Harper (4); Ned Hine (5); Tommy Severn (5). YOUNG ARGENTINA: Tomas Ballesteros (2); Lucas Criado (6); Javier ‘Chulo’ Guerrero (6)’ 4. Felipe Dabas (6).
Images copyright Art of Polo
