See the latest news from Your World at https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/your-world
Cowdray Park Polo Club, West Sussex, will make history on 19 July hosting the final of the British Ladies Open Championship ahead of the St Regis British Open for the Cowdray Gold Cup, creating a landmark day that celebrates the very best of open and women’s polo. It is the first time that the 10,000 spectators will be able to watch two of the sport’s premier championships decided on the same day, reflecting the growth of women’s polo and Cowdray’s longstanding commitment to developing the game at every level.
Martine Hartridge, Managing Director of Cowdray Park Polo Club, said “Women’s polo is growing rapidly with more female players, teams and international talent competing than ever before. Gold Cup Day is such a celebration of polo and we felt it was the perfect opportunity to show the Club’s commitment to providing the biggest possible platform for female athletes and put even more great sport in front of a huge audience”
Polo remains one of the few sports where men and women can compete together at elite level, and female players are now making their mark across every level of competition at Cowdray Park, including the sport’s highest handicap tournaments.
The 2026 British Ladies Open Championship has attracted eight outstanding teams featuring some of the world’s finest female players, including 10-goalers Hazel Jackson, Nina Clarkin and Candelaria Fernandez Araujo, alongside 9-goalers Mia Cambiaso (a 2025 Gold Cup winner) and Milly Hine.
-
Yaguara (23 goals): Martina Lowe (1), Myla Cambiaso (4), Mia Cambiaso (9), Milly Hine (9)
-
Cowdray Vikings (22 goals): The Hon. Lila Pearson (2), Ashley Glennie (5), Lottie Lamacraft (7), Lia Salvo (8)
-
ER Polo (20 goals): Elizabeth Reaser (1), Kayley Smith (5), Maitena Mairre (6), Milagros Sanchez (8)
-
Oriflamme (22 goals): Jo Denny (1), Brigitte Boher (3), Izzy Parsons (8), Candelaria Fernandez Araujo (10)
-
Salty Polo (22 goals): Madison Rochlin (1), Bella Lavinia (4), Catalina Lavinia (7), Nina Clarkin (10)
-
Emita LL (22 goals): Emma Wood (5), Tamara Fox (6), Heloise Wilson-Smith (6), Zoe Reader (5)
-
UAE Polo Team (22 goals): H.H. Sheikha Maitha (3), Grace Cariss (3), Micaela Saracco (6), Hazel Jackson (10)
-
Madams Farm by Lumina (20 goals): Beanie Bradley (4), TBA (5), Paige Boone (5), Sarah Wiseman (6)
Nina Clarkin, the world’s highest ranked female player, said: “The players are all really delighted that Cowdray has scheduled the Ladies’ final on the same day as the Gold Cup final at one of the most high profile tournaments in the world. It sends a powerful statement about the continued rise of women’s polo and the level we are playing at and it’s the perfect day to showcase what we are doing to a wider audience.”
The combined finals day promises outstanding competition, historic moments and an unforgettable celebration of polo at its highest level. The British Ladies Open Championship kicks off the day at 11am followed by the St Regis British Open for the Cowdray Gold Cup final at 3pm. There are still some tickets and hospitality available visit: https://cowdraypolo.co.uk/gold-cup-final-duplicate-13631/