Is there a better way to spend the day than to get out with friends or family to a brunch and at the same time see how the best teams in the world of polo fight for the prestigious Golden Cup? In Dubai, spectators are invited to enjoy the elegance of royal sports for all games of the tournament this season.
The Dubai Polo Gold Cup is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktum bin Muhammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the deputy ruler of Dubai. For the first time this year, games take place at the ultra-modern Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club.
This is the fourth largest championship in the world after tournaments in Argentina, the USA and Great Britain. The Dubai Gold Cup traditionally gathers many VIPs, influencers and senior government officials from all over the Emirates.
The Gold Cup is being played under the banner of the Herlingham Association (HPA). This year the best players in the world participate in it, including Pablo McDonough, a superstar with a maximum handicap of 10 goals, and three-time Triple Crown champion in the La Dolfina team, Nicolas Pieres, whose handicap was upgraded to 10 goals after a recent splendid performance at the Argentine Open, Lucas Monteverde and Alfredo Cappella Barabucci (9 handicaps) many others.
The Dubai Championship is divided into two tournaments: it began with the McLaren Cup (from Saturday January 21 to Friday February 3, 2017) and continues with the Julius Baer Gold Cup (from Friday February 18 to Friday March 10, 2017).
The whole family should go for polo - a separate play area is provided for children. Watch the game, and after sunset, go dancing to the music of the best DJs from the Emirates in the Official Gold Lounge - they will play for you all day and almost all night! Add to this entertainment on the field and beyond - for example, horse shows and fashion shows, and you will get the most out of this trip.
The best time to visit the cup is Friday, when the famous brunch takes place at Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club. The Gold Cup Final (Dubai Open) will be held on March 10, in the framework of which the Best Dressed Lady contest will be held.
What to wear?
One of the most memorable scenes from polo is the scene from the movie Pretty Woman with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. Vivienne, a Roberts character, came to the polo game in a brown polka dot dress with sleeves and a white hat. In the film, the game was part of a charity event, and all the girls were dressed in stylish designer dresses, hats and gloves. But do not forget, polo is still a sport, although it is often presented as something very traditional and formal. However, most games are simple, family-friendly events.
A variety of outfits are allowed: from bright dresses to khaki pants and collared shirts. The game takes place in the fresh air, so the weather also affects the choice of clothes. There are a lot of lawns and few asphalt roads in the polo club, so it’s better not to wear heels, but choose wedges or beautiful ballet shoes instead. On the other hand, it’s impossible to dress too polo - don’t limit yourself and use an excuse to show your favorite hat to the world! From Fedora to a cowboy hat - everything is appropriate.
In general, it is better to adhere to the classic, refined style. Choose bright and comfortable clothes. Pastel colors and white are some of the best options.
For men, a polo tournament is one of the rare opportunities to wear colorful costumes made from fabrics such as sirsaker. If you prefer a conservative style, wear hacks and a blazer. Jeans, however, are not welcome.
What to talk about?
To quickly join the society of polo lovers (as in any other), it is advisable to know their language. So it will be much easier for you to maintain a small talk.
Chacca: Polo matches are not divided into periods or halves, but into segments called the chakka that are seven and a half minutes long. In each match - at least six such periods.
Pony: Today, polo is often played on horses, but traditionally they were preferred by smaller and dexterous ponies. Therefore, horses in polo are still commonly called ponies.
Divot Stomp: In the middle of the match, spectators are invited to the field to trample it in those places where the horses 'hooves and players' hammers pulled grass out of the ground.
Flagger: behind each goal (a pair of striped pillars) there is a person showing whether a goal has been scored. If it was, then its flag rises - and accordingly, if the flag is not raised, the point does not count.
Face-off: Before the start of the game, one of two referees - or a particularly honored guest - throws the ball in front of two teams of four players.
More details and the competition schedule can be found at www.dubaipologoldcup.com and //alhabtoorpoloresortandclub.com
