Indios Chapaleufú made a triumphant return to the elite of Argentine polo and the Triple Crown after more than a decade away. First, they stunned everyone at the Tortugas Open, defeating the reigning Palermo champion and the team of the moment, La Natividad, a powerhouse with a 40-goal handicap. Later, they returned to the Argentine Open, though with a painful setback: a loss to an evenly-matched rival after squandering an 8-1 lead. But this Saturday, on the iconic Field 1 of the Argentine Polo Grounds, they achieved another remarkable feat.
They defeated the Tortugas Open champion, a patched-up team that still boasted a three-goal handicap advantage. They did so decisively, proving they aren’t in the Triple Crown just to participate but to compete, showing a bright future with their young quartet of players in their twenties.
Cruz Heguy, son of Eduardo “Ruso” Heguy, celebrated with a smile that reflected the happiest moment of his career. Antonio Heguy, aware of the impending victory, allowed himself to think about the celebration in the final seconds. Teodoro Lacau and Victorino Ruiz Jorba, the reinforcements who donned the Heguy dynasty’s jersey, delivered a flawless performance. The crowd cheered, a long red flag waved near the stables, and hugs were endless. The mystique of Chapaleufú, once thought lost, dared to be reborn… and succeeded.
The victory, while unexpected, had its reasons. La Hache, the top seed in Zone A, played without Tomás Panelo (9 goals), their star injured during practice, and replaced him with the British-Chilean Tomás Beresford (7). Even so, Chapaleufú seized every opportunity. After a painful stumble on Field 2 against Cría y Polo, the second team of the Ulloa club, the young Heguy players and their teammates showed growth and maturity, drawing strength from both their equine and human genetics.
With this win, Indios Chapaleufú added 1200 points to their ranking, solidifying their place in the 2025 Triple Crown. After a difficult start, this shocking upset and their Tortugas victory position them as serious contenders. Whatever comes next will only add to their standing, though it might not even be necessary to maintain their elite status.
The match in numbers:
Indios Chapaleufú 16, La Hache 13.
Over the eight chukkers, Chapaleufú led almost the entire game: 5-2, 9-5, 12-8, before closing at 16-13, defeating a rival with a higher handicap. Key factors made the difference: better focus in throw-ins (19-14), fewer fouls (11 against 12), and more effective penalty execution (10 versus 7).
Match summary:
Indios Chapaleufú: Antonio Heguy (7), Victorino Ruiz Jorba (8), Cruz Heguy (8), Teodoro Lacau (8). Total: 31 goals.
La Hache: Pablo Pieres (9), Hilario Ulloa (9), Francisco Elizalde (9), Tomas Beresford (7). Total: 34 goals.
Progression: 0-1, 2-1, 5-3, 9-5, 10-8, 13-10, 14-12, 16-13.
Scorers:
- Indios Chapaleufú: Cruz Heguy, 9 (all from penalties); Antonio Heguy, 3; Teodoro Lacau, 2; Victorino Ruiz Jorba, 2.
- La Hache: Pablo Pieres, 7 (1 from a penalty); Hilario Ulloa, 3; Francisco Elizalde, 3 (1 from a corner).
Umpires: Gastón Lucero and Gonzalo López Vargas. Referee: Martín Aguerre.
Field: No. 1, Palermo.
The legend of Chapaleufú is alive and well, promising a brilliant future ahead.
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