Barto Castagnola Leads Dubai Polo Team to Royal Windsor Cup Glory
On Sunday, June 21, the historic Queen’s Ground at Guards Polo Club hosted the final of the DMMI Brexa Royal Windsor Cup, one of the oldest and most respected medium-goal tournaments in English polo.
By the end of the afternoon, Dubai Polo Team stood at the top of the podium, defeating Green Gates 7.5-4 to claim the title and add another chapter to the organisation’s long history of success.
At the centre of that achievement was Bartolomé “Barto” Castagnola Jr., whose performance throughout the tournament earned him the Most Valuable Player award and once again confirmed his status as one of the most influential players in world polo.
A Trophy with History
The Royal Windsor Cup occupies a unique place within the British season.
Played annually at Guards Polo Club, the tournament has welcomed generations of players and organisations, becoming one of the most established competitions outside the high-goal calendar.
Winning at Windsor carries significant prestige. The event combines tradition, history and elite competition, attracting many of the strongest medium-goal teams competing in England each summer.
For Dubai Polo Team, lifting the trophy represented the organisation’s second Royal Windsor Cup title and its first since 1995.
More importantly, it confirmed the strength of a project that continues to compete successfully across multiple levels of international polo.
Barto Castagnola’s Influence
Few players have made a greater impact on the British season than Barto Castagnola.
The Argentine 9-goaler arrived in England following another successful international campaign and immediately became the driving force behind Dubai Polo Team's attack.
Throughout the Royal Windsor Cup, his ability to control the tempo of matches, create scoring opportunities and deliver decisive plays separated him from the rest of the field.
His influence reached its peak during the final against Green Gates.
Leading Dubai's offensive efforts, Barto guided his team to victory while demonstrating the speed, creativity and competitive instinct that have made him one of the most recognisable names in modern polo.
His performance earned him the MVP award, a fitting recognition for a player who consistently shaped the outcome of the tournament's most important matches.
Dubai Polo Team’s Winning Formula
Dubai Polo Team has long been one of the most respected organisations in international polo.
Founded and supported by the Albwardy family, the team has established a reputation for excellence across the British, Spanish and Middle Eastern seasons.
For the Royal Windsor Cup, Dubai competed with a 15-goal lineup featuring patron Tariq Albwardy, Leo Stuart, Santos Merlos and Barto Castagnola.
The balance within the team proved crucial.
While Barto provided attacking firepower, Santos Merlos delivered consistency across the field, and the supporting structure created by Albwardy and Stuart allowed the team to maintain control during critical moments.
Together, they formed one of the most complete teams in the competition.
The Importance of Great Horses
Success in modern polo is never only about the players.
Behind every championship-winning performance stands an exceptional string of horses capable of sustaining the speed and intensity demanded at the highest level.
Dubai Polo Team is widely recognised for the quality of its breeding programme and horse development operation. The organisation continues to invest heavily in producing elite polo ponies that can perform consistently across international tournaments.
That strength was highlighted again in the final when Pacua Olivia, ridden by Barto Castagnola, received the Best Playing Pony award.
The recognition reflected not only the mare’s outstanding performance but also the importance of horse management within a successful organisation.
At the highest level, talent and horsepower remain inseparable.
From the Queen’s Cup to Windsor Success
The Royal Windsor Cup victory arrived only days after Dubai Polo Team's impressive run in the Cartier Queen’s Cup.
Competing in the 22-goal division, Dubai reached the semi-finals and pushed eventual champions Balanz Capital to extra time before narrowly falling 12-11.
Although the team fell short of reaching the final, the campaign demonstrated its ability to compete against the strongest organisations in the British season.
The Royal Windsor Cup title offered immediate confirmation of that strength.
Rather than dwelling on disappointment, Dubai responded by securing one of the most prestigious trophies available within the medium-goal calendar.
Looking Ahead
With the Royal Windsor Cup secured, Dubai Polo Team continues its British campaign with significant momentum.
The organisation remains one of the leading contenders across the season, supported by a combination of experienced leadership, world-class horses and one of the sport’s most dynamic players in Barto Castagnola.
For the Argentine star, the title adds another important achievement to a season already filled with memorable performances.
As the British summer continues, Dubai Polo Team has once again established itself as a benchmark for excellence and competitiveness.
And at the heart of that success remains Barto Castagnola, a player whose influence continues to shape the modern game.
