La Natividad La Dolfina Reaches the 2026 Tortugas Open Final

La Natividad La Dolfina has secured its place in the final of the 86th Tortugas Open following an 18-10 victory over Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufú on Saturday, 31 October.

The result concludes the team's campaign in Zone A and sets up a meeting with La Hache Polo Team on Saturday, 7 November, at Tortugas Country Club.

Following the opening title at Hurlingham, La Natividad La Dolfina continues its participation in the 2026 Argentine Triple Crown, with Camilo and Bartolomé Castagnola, Poroto Cambiaso and Adolfo Cambiaso forming the 40-goal line-up.

The Semifinal Against Ellerstina

The match began with Ellerstina taking an early 2-1 lead after two penalty conversions by Facundo Pieres. La Natividad La Dolfina responded in the second chukker, scoring three unanswered goals to move ahead.

After the third period, play was transferred from Field 7 to Field 6 as a precaution to preserve playing conditions and safety.

From there, La Natividad La Dolfina gradually extended its advantage, combining longer passes with improved possession and defensive organisation. By the end of the seventh chukker, the score stood at 16-6.

Ellerstina continued to compete through the final period, with the match finishing 18-10.

The result marked La Natividad La Dolfina's nineteenth consecutive official victory, extending a run that reflects the team's continuity across the Argentine season.

Jeta Castagnola Leads the Scoring

Camilo "Jeta" Castagnola finished as the leading scorer of the semifinal with eight goals, including three penalty conversions.

His contribution began early with an 80-yard run and continued throughout the match as the team found more opportunities in attack.

Jeta's speed and ability to move into open spaces remain important elements of La Natividad La Dolfina's game. Against Ellerstina, those qualities combined with effective passing and support from his teammates.

Bartolomé "Barto" Castagnola contributed two goals and was involved in the defensive work that helped the team maintain its advantage. Adolfo Cambiaso added four goals, while Poroto Cambiaso also contributed to the team's attacking performance.

The semifinal provided another opportunity for the four players to continue developing their understanding on the field ahead of the remaining Triple Crown matches.

Recognition for Poroto and Dolfina Copas

Poroto Cambiaso received the Most Valuable Player award for the semifinal, recognising his contribution to the team's overall performance.

There was also recognition for the horses, with Dolfina Copas receiving the Best Playing Pony award.

In professional polo, these awards highlight an essential part of every match. The preparation and management of the horses involve months of work, with players, grooms, veterinarians and the wider organisation contributing to their condition throughout the season.

For La Natividad, horse care and preparation remain central to the daily work behind competition.

The Work Behind the Team

While results are decided on the field, preparing for the Triple Crown involves a much larger group of people.

Under the guidance of Lolo Castagnola, the La Natividad organisation continues its work with the players, horses and support team throughout the Argentine season.

The relationship between Camilo and Barto, their understanding of the horses and the contribution of the entire team are all part of that preparation.

As the competition progresses, maintaining consistency becomes increasingly important. Every match provides an opportunity to review the team's performance, make adjustments and prepare for the next challenge.

Next Stop: The Tortugas Final

La Natividad La Dolfina will face La Hache Polo Team in the final of the 86th Tortugas Open on Saturday, 7 November.

La Hache, competing with 34 goals of handicap, has earned its place in the final following its own campaign through the tournament.

The match will bring together two teams with different combinations and playing styles, both looking to close Tortugas with a title.

For La Natividad La Dolfina, the focus now turns to preparing the horses, reviewing the semifinal and arriving at the final in the best possible condition.

With Hurlingham completed and Palermo still ahead, Tortugas represents the next important stage of the Argentine Triple Crown.

Follow La Natividad Polo for updates from the Tortugas Open final and the latest news from La Natividad La Dolfina throughout the 2026 Triple Crown.