AM Polo triumph at the 9th edition of Sir Winston Churchill Cup

The highly anticipated 9th Edition of the Sir Winston Churchill Cup reached a thrilling finale, showcasing a breathtaking display of skill, sportsmanship, and equestrian excellence.

The week-long tournament, held in honor of one of history's most iconic leaders, brought together elite polo teams and passionate fans for an unforgettable celebration of the sport.

Sir Winston Churchill’s enduring legacy extends beyond his remarkable leadership; he was also a devoted polo enthusiast. Churchill first fell in love with the game during his time at Sandhurst and honed his skills as an officer with the Queen's Own Hussars. Playing regularly at renowned London clubs like Hurlingham and Ranelagh, he displayed exceptional talent, combining his affinity with horses and mastery of the polo stick. His dedication to the sport reflected his competitive spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence—qualities that continue to inspire generations.

This year's tournament carried forward Churchill’s legacy, blending tradition with world-class competition, and cementing its place as a premier event in the international polo calendar.

The subsidiary final between El Basha and Wolves-Mahra was a thrilling rematch that showcased outstanding skill and determination from both teams.

The game began with high intensity as Hani Jabshe scored early, giving El Basha an initial edge and setting the tone for a fiercely competitive contest. Wolves-Mahra responded with resilience and strong teamwork, gradually narrowing the gap. Despite their efforts, El Basha maintained their momentum and emerged victorious in a hard-fought battle.

The finals between Habtoor Polo and AM Polo once again delivered an exhilarating, heart-pounding showdown. Both teams battled fiercely, trading goals from the opening moments to the final whistle. The match began with a dynamic start as Pablo Urquiza of AM Polo opened the scoring, setting the stage for an intense contest. Habtoor Polo’s Santos Iriarte responded with impressive determination, swiftly leveling the score with a series of skillful moves.

However, AM Polo ultimately triumphed, securing the Sir Winston Churchill Cup 2024 title.

Adding to the excitement and prestige of the Sir Winston Churchill Cup 2024 Finals, Jochen Knecht, CEO of IFZA and season sponsor, had the honor of presenting awards to the players and the winning team.

Sheika Alya Al Maktoum was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Finals, while Condicion, owned by Mohammed Bin K. Al Habtoor and ridden by Santos Iriarte, was recognized as the Best Playing Pony.