ALULA CHALLENGE CUP CROWNS POLO EXCELLENCE

In a magnificent showcase of equestrian excellence and fierce competition, Adelante emerged victorious in the inaugural AlUla Challenge Cup.

This thrilling tournament, which unfolded from August 3rd to the 13th, held spectators in rapt attention with its world-class polo action, all set against the stunning backdrop of Polo Club SaintTropez - Haras de Gassin.

The pinnacle of this event, the 10-goal final, transpired on the iconic field on Sunday 13th of August, pitting Adelante against the AlUla Polo Team.

Four intense chukkers ensued, with scores in each chukker reading 1-0, 2-3, 4-3, and 4-3. A delighted audience of over 450 people gathered to witness this memorable final, with 150 attendees at the Country Club. Throughout the terrace and clubhouse, 15 captivating photos of the burgeoning tourist gem, AlUla, were on display.

Julio Zavaleta, Polo Manager, expressed his joy, stating, "We are delighted by the first edition of the AlUla Challenge Cup as it showcased a high level of polo, and events of this nature contribute significantly to the advancement of the sport."

The AlUla Challenge Cup marked a significant milestone for AlUla's equestrian sports, drawing 10 teams from around the world into fierce competition. The Adelante Polo Team demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the tournament, securing a well-deserved victory. The tournament's success was further enhanced by

Ziad Alshuhaibani, RCU Sports Executive Programme Chief the seamless collaboration between the Polo Club Saint-Tropez - Haras de Gassin and its title season sponsor, the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU).

Ziad Alshuhaibani, RCU Sports Executive Programme Chief, commented, "The AlUla Challenge Cup is an important milestone in the continued sporting and cultural partnership between AlUla and Saint-Tropez to grow and enrich equestrian sports, exchange knowledge and skills, and inspire the next generation of polo players. We are grateful for this opportunity to enhance the visibility of AlUla as a unique destination with a narrative embedded in equestrian traditions."

This new tournament was born out of the agreement between the Royal Commission of AlUla (RCU) and the Polo Club Saint-Tropez-Haras de Gassin, aiming to celebrate the sport of Kings.

AlUla serves as the winter destination, while the French Riviera Saint-Tropez takes on the role of the summer venue. RCU has already unveiled the dates for the next edition of its Desert Polo tournament, scheduled for January 15-20, 2024.

The AlUla Challenge Cup has undoubtedly set a new benchmark for excellence in the world of polo. Its inaugural edition will be etched in history as a defining moment for both Polo Club Saint-Tropez and AlUla's polo legacy.