The 132nd Hurlingham Open, the oldest active polo tournament in the world and one of the jewels of the Argentine Triple Crown, reached its semifinal stage with drama, intensity, and a place in history for UAE Polo. On Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, under clear skies at the Alfredo Lalor grounds in Pilar, UAE Polo defeated La Irenita – La Hache Clinova by a score of 13–9, securing their first-ever berth in a Triple Crown final.
This was no ordinary victory. For years, UAE Polo has invested in creating a team capable of competing with the established dynasties of Argentine polo. Against La Irenita – La Hache, an organization filled with experience, they faced a formidable test. For much of the match, the contest was evenly balanced, with both sides trading goals, fouls, and momentum. But in the crucial sixth and seventh chukkers, UAE Polo seized control, driven by the relentless scoring of Pablo “Polito” Pieres, and never relinquished their grip.
The Match Flow
La Irenita struck first, edging the opening chukker 2–1 thanks to quick play from Francisco Elizalde and Pablo Mac Donough, who combined their precision with Hilario Ulloa’s long passes. Their early lead seemed to set the tone: deliberate, controlled, and rooted in discipline. But UAE Polo responded immediately. In the second chukker, they turned the tables with three unanswered goals to move ahead 4–2.
The third and fourth chukkers were tightly contested. UAE held a narrow 5–4 and then 7–5 lead, but La Irenita showed grit, pressing hard in midfield. Ulloa orchestrated their attacks, Elizalde converted from penalties, and du Plessis contributed with defensive stops. By halftime, it was clear this would not be a runaway.
The fifth chukker saw La Irenita close the gap to 8–7. At that point, the game was still alive, and tension among the crowd rose with each throw-in. But then came the turning point. In the sixth chukker, UAE Polo exploded. Polito Pieres, already in fine form, converted a penalty and followed it with two stunning field goals, taking advantage of turnovers forced by Nero and Monteverde. That 3–0 run changed the game, lifting UAE to an 11–7 lead.
The seventh chukker was the knockout blow. UAE scored twice more to extend their advantage to 13–7, while La Irenita faltered, unable to break through UAE’s disciplined backline. Though the final chukker saw La Irenita rally for two goals, the gap was too wide. The match ended 13–9, and UAE celebrated a landmark triumph.
The Stars of the Game
The headlines belonged to Polito Pieres, who scored 10 goals, including three from penalties. His performance was one of leadership and composure, guiding his side not just with accuracy but also with intelligence in managing the tempo. Pieres, often overshadowed by other marquee names in Argentine polo, reminded the world why he is one of the elite forwards of his generation.
Supporting him was Lucas Monteverde Jr., whose youthful energy and confidence were vital. He contributed goals of his own, stretched the field with pace, and complemented Polito brilliantly. Tomás Panelo added versatility, moving fluidly between attack and defense, while Juan Martín Nero anchored the team, intercepting plays and frustrating La Irenita’s best attempts.
For La Irenita – La Hache, the efforts were gallant. Francisco Elizalde scored four times, two from penalties, while Mac Donough added three. Ulloa and du Plessis chipped in with one each, but their side lacked the firepower to keep pace once UAE broke free. La Irenita’s offensive sequences too often ended in turnovers, and their defense was stretched thin in the middle chukkers.
Discipline and Pressure
The semifinal was also marked by moments of tension. In the first chukker, Polito Pieres received a yellow card, an early reminder of the stakes and intensity. In the fourth, Hilario Ulloa was booked as tempers flared. Yet it was UAE who maintained control in the moments that mattered. While both sides committed fouls, UAE’s efficiency in converting penalties and turning broken plays into goals proved decisive.
Tactical Breakdown
The victory was built on three key elements. First, transition play: UAE’s ability to convert defensive stops into lightning-quick counterattacks caught La Irenita off guard repeatedly. Second, penalty execution: Polito was ruthlessly efficient, while Elizalde’s attempts, though solid, could not match the conversion rate. Third, management of energy: UAE timed their bursts, keeping reserves for the sixth and seventh chukkers, when they delivered the decisive blows.
La Irenita’s strategy of controlling possession worked for five chukkers, but once UAE accelerated, their backline could not recover. Fatigue, accumulated fouls, and lapses in concentration opened the door, and UAE barged through.
Significance of the Result
This was not merely a win; it was history. For the first time, UAE Polo will contest a final in Argentina’s Triple Crown. For an organization that has steadily invested in infrastructure, horses, and player development, the result is validation. They have proven they belong among the aristocracy of polo. Facing the might of La Natividad – La Dolfina in the final, a 40-goal superteam blending Cambiaso and Castagnola bloodlines, will be a challenge of colossal proportions. Yet UAE approaches it with belief, form, and momentum.
For La Irenita – La Hache, the loss is bittersweet. They demonstrated resilience and class but fell short in execution. The lesson is clear: against the new powers of polo, consistency for all eight chukkers is essential. Ulloa and Mac Donough provided flashes of brilliance, but the collective fell away when the match tightened. They will remain a competitive force for the rest of the Triple Crown, but improvement will be necessary to close the gap.
The Road Ahead
The final of the 132nd Hurlingham Open will be played on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, at the Hurlingham Club, pitting La Natividad – La Dolfina against UAE Polo. It promises to be a final of contrasts: the overwhelming firepower and aura of a 40-goal lineup on one side, and on the other a disciplined, hungry team making history and aiming for its first Triple Crown title.
Whatever the outcome, this semifinal will be remembered as the night UAE Polo announced itself on the biggest stage, not just as a competitor, but as a genuine contender for Argentine polo’s greatest prizes.