On Friday, September 12, the immaculate fields of the Argentine Polo Association (AAP) in Pilar once again became the heart of global polo. With bright skies overhead and an enthusiastic crowd lining the boards, the second round of the 60th Jockey Club Open unfolded in all its intensity. This tournament, steeped in history, is more than just another fixture on Argentina’s polo calendar: it’s a benchmark. It is where the country’s most powerful organizations test themselves, where new combinations of players are measured, and where horses are tuned up ahead of the most demanding challenge of them all—the Triple Crown.
Six lineups, boasting up to 33 goals of handicap, are in pursuit of glory. Yet only one will lift the trophy on September 20, when the final returns to the storied fields of the Jockey Club in San Isidro. Over the decades, that ground has witnessed legends crowned and rivalries carved into history. To win here is to etch one’s name into polo’s tradition.
A Final Replayed: La Hache vs. Scone
The day’s opening clash was as tantalizing as it gets: La Hache against Scone, a repeat of last year’s final. Memories of that showdown still linger, and from the first throw-in it was clear neither side was willing to give an inch.
Hilario Ulloa’s La Hache came out blazing. Determined not to relive the disappointment of 2023, they seized the momentum early. With measured passes, flawless teamwork, and sharp defensive transitions, they kept Scone on the back foot. The Australian-backed side, headlined by young prodigy Poroto Cambiaso, struggled to find rhythm in the opening stages.
But Scone is never a team to fade quietly. Anchored by Cambiaso’s raw brilliance and competitiveness, they clawed their way back into contention, tightening their defense and finally finding lanes to goal. For a few chukkers, it looked as though they might rewrite the script and flip the contest in their favor.
Still, when the match entered its defining moments, La Hache stood firm. Ulloa marshaled his teammates with composure, and in the closing passages their experience shone through. The scoreboard read 13–10 at the final bell: a deserved victory for La Hache, who not only celebrated redemption but also sealed early passage to the semifinals. Scone, meanwhile, now stares at a must-win showdown against La Aguada if they are to keep their title hopes alive.
Power on Display: Kazak vs. Pilot
The second match of the day, played on Field Six, brought together two ambitious organizations with plenty to prove: Pilot and Kazak. For the opening three chukkers, the game was a study in balance. Each attack met with a swift counter, each goal answered in kind. Spectators were treated to a showcase of determination, as neither team managed to carve out daylight on the scoreboard.
Then came the fourth chukker, and with it, the turning point. Kazak—the French organization determined to make its mark in Argentina—shifted gears. Suddenly, their collective play clicked. Every pass was sharper, every ride-off more forceful, every finish more clinical. Polito Pieres, ever the showman, delivered four goals of the highest quality, sparking applause from the sidelines. Behind him, Juan Martín Nero was a wall: unyielding in defense, smothering Pilot’s forwards and dictating the rhythm from the back.
By the final whistle, Kazak had stretched away to an 11–7 victory, a result that not only underlined their offensive flair but also their maturity as a unit. With that triumph, Zone A was blown wide open—setting up a dramatic conclusion in the coming days.
A Tournament of Rising Tension
If there was one lesson from Friday’s doubleheader, it’s this: no team can be underestimated. The standard of play is sky-high, and every chukker is a battle. Fans in Pilar saw horses at peak condition, moments of artistry with the mallet, and the kind of intensity that makes Argentine polo unmatched worldwide.
And the story is far from over. On Sunday, the competition resumes with two pivotal matches. At 1:00 p.m., La Irenita faces Kazak in a duel that could tip the balance of the zone. Then, at 3:00 p.m., Scone faces La Aguada in what is, for them, a do-or-die clash—victory is the only way forward.
Who Looks Like a Champion?
Beyond the immediate drama, the 60th Jockey Club Open is shaping up as a tournament to remember. La Hache, with Ulloa steering the charge, has emerged as a clear frontrunner. Their balance of experience, composure under pressure, and hunger for redemption makes them formidable.
Kazak, on the other hand, has proven that their international project has teeth. With stars like Pieres and Nero at their peak, they are more than capable of taking down giants and could be the surprise package of the competition.
Scone, despite stumbling, remains dangerous. With Poroto Cambiaso—one of the brightest talents the sport has seen in years—no one can dismiss their chances. Meanwhile, Pilot, La Aguada, and La Irenita all retain the tools to disrupt the favorites. Each has shown flashes of brilliance, and in knockout polo, one inspired day can change everything.
Tradition Meets Expectation
As the countdown to September 20 continues, every game becomes a crucible of character and talent. The Jockey Club Open, now in its 60th edition, is a reminder of why Argentina is polo’s beating heart. It blends tradition with modern intensity, showcases the finest horses on the planet, and allows players to inscribe new chapters into the sport’s ever-growing legend.
The question of who will be champion still hangs tantalizingly in the air. Yet one truth is undeniable: the road to San Isidro will be thrilling, fiercely contested, and filled with polo of the highest order.