Gaston Wins First-Ever St. Regis Cowdray Gold Cup in Thrilling Final
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The victory marked a historic achievement for Gaston, who were appearing in the tournament final for the first time.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
Gaston entered the final with a one-goal handicap advantage and quickly established control by taking a 3-0 lead in the opening chukka.
Dubai responded strongly in the second period, reducing the gap, but Gaston maintained a narrow 5-4 advantage at halftime after an entertaining first half.
Close Contest Until the Final Minutes
The match remained highly competitive throughout the remaining chukkas.
Dubai’s attack was led by Antonio Heguy and Bartolomé Castagnola Jr., who combined for seven goals and kept constant pressure on Gaston.
Despite the challenge, Gaston held slim leads of 7-6 and 8-7 heading into the final chukka.
A goal from Cruz Heguy extended Gaston’s advantage to 9-7, but Dubai answered quickly through Santos Merlos, making it 9-8 with only minutes remaining.
Gaston successfully defended its lead until the final whistle to secure a memorable championship victory.
Heguy Family Legacy Continues
The final also featured a special family rivalry.
Cruz Heguy represented Gaston, while his cousin Antonio Heguy played for Dubai. Both come from the legendary Heguy polo family, which has enjoyed decades of success in international polo.
Their fathers, Eduardo “Ruso” Heguy and Alberto “Pepe” Heguy, were among Argentina’s most celebrated polo players and multiple-time champions.
The final highlighted another chapter in the family’s long-standing contribution to the sport.
Match Summary
Final Score:
Gaston 9 – 8 Dubai
Gaston
- Jean-Paul Luksic – 1 goal
- Beltrán Laulhé – 3 goals
- Gonzalo Ferrari – 2 goals
- Cruz Heguy – 3 goals
Dubai
- Tariq Albwardy
- Santos Merlos – 1 goal
- Antonio Heguy – 4 goals
- Bartolomé Castagnola Jr. – 3 goals
Individual Awards
- Most Valuable Player (MVP): Cruz Heguy
- Best Playing Pony (BPP): Alberta Yaguara (ridden by Bartolomé Castagnola Jr.)
- BPP Patron Award: Vasca Se Buena (ridden by Jean-Paul Luksic)
Historic Achievement
The victory gives Gaston its first St. Regis Cowdray Gold Cup title, while ending Dubai’s bid for a seventh championship. The exciting final showcased world-class polo and celebrated the continuing legacy of one of the sport’s most respected families.
