The Argentine polo season is back, and there’s no better way to start than with the 60th Jockey Club Open. Played at the historic San Isidro Jockey Club, this tournament has become the official “warm-up” before the road to the Triple Crown begins. Think of it as preseason training — but in true Argentine style, with six powerhouse teams, top players, and the perfect excuse to spend September watching high-goal polo.
A Tradition Since 1965
The Jockey Club Open isn’t just any tournament. For sixty editions, it’s been the stage where lineups come together, horses get tested, and fans get a first glimpse of who’s sharp ahead of Tortugas, Hurlingham, and Palermo. The mix of 28–33 goal teams makes it competitive, but also experimental. Some of the lineups are one-off combinations — fun to watch, unpredictable, and full of talent.
Last year, La Hache Pax Assistance lifted the trophy, but in polo things change quickly. This year’s field has shuffled into new shapes, and the results have been as entertaining as ever.
Star Power on Display
Fans of La Natividad have plenty to cheer for. The Pilot team features Camilo “Jeta” Castagnola, Bartolomé “Barto” Castagnola, and Facundo Pieres, one of the game’s greats. That’s a lot of horsepower in one lineup. And they’re not alone — Poroto Cambiaso is riding with Scone, alongside David Paradice, Lucas Monteverde, and Tomás Panelo. On the other side, teams like Kazak and La Hache bring the firepower of Hilario Ulloa, Pablo Pieres, and Juan Martín Nero.
It’s a rare mix — players who normally face each other in Triple Crown rivalries now sharing jerseys, while new partnerships spark chemistry ahead of the big season.
Semi-Final Showdown
After a week of group games, the semifinals are set: Kazak vs. La Hache and Pilot vs. Scone. That means a Castagnola showdown is guaranteed, with Barto and Jeta lining up against Poroto before the weekend’s final. Whatever happens, the winner will go into October with momentum — and fans will have enjoyed some top-level practice matches with all the excitement of a major.
Why It Matters
Is the Jockey Club Open as prestigious as Palermo? No. But does it matter? Absolutely. This is where horses find their rhythm, where players sharpen their game, and where fans get their first taste of polo after the European summer. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it sets the stage for everything that comes next.
For La Nati fans, it’s also a chance to see Barto and Jeta in action right before the Triple Crown season kicks off — a reminder of what’s to come when La Natividad La Dolfina enters the field in Hurlingham.
The Road Ahead
From San Isidro to Palermo, the road is long but full of promise. The Jockey Club Open might be called a “warm-up,” but watching these players, it’s clear no one takes it lightly. Whether it’s a big win for Pilot, another trophy for La Hache, or a breakout for Scone, the message is the same: Argentine polo season is officially here.
Stay tuned on our blog and follow La Natividad Polo on Instagram for updates all the way to Palermo.
