Abu Dhabi: City AM Abu Dhabi will look to defend their Chestertons Polo in the Park title at Hurlingham Park in Fulham, London this weekend, from June 5-7.
A total of six international teams will participate in the three-day tournament, with City AM Abu Dhabi led by Mohammad Al Habtoor, the Chief Executive Officer of the Al Habtoor Group playing alongside Argentinian teammates Guillermo Cuitino and Juan Cruz Guevara.
Chestertons Polo in the Park, now in its sixth year, has simplified the rules of the game so that newcomers can participate in the competition. The changes include a smaller polo field to bring the action closer to the spectators.
The rules also include the Lanson Perfect Start, unique to the event, which provides an exhilarating opening to the match.
Other changes include a 45 Yard Ring, which means that goals scored from outside the 45 Yard Ring are worth double the points compared to a goal scored within the line. Teams will only change ends at half time, making the game quicker and simpler.
Mohammad Al Habtoor has been one of the key drivers of the growth of Polo in the UAE. He founded the Dubai Polo Gold Cup in 2009. Today, it is the most prestigious — and highest handicap — international polo tournament in the Middle East.
In addition, Al Habtoor, has been instrumental in the development of the sport in Dubai. The Al Habtoor Group, of which he is CEO and Vice-Chairman, is currently developing the St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club — a one billion dirham project aimed at the equestrian community. It adds four new polo fields to the city.
