Under the patronage and in the presence of HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the prestigious Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge 2015 came to an end yesterday as Desert Palm featuring Rashid Albwardy and Alan Meeker, took the final win. They defeated the UAE Polo Team 10-4.
In the Royal Box alongside HRH Princess Haya were Laurent Gaborit, Managing Director of Cartier Middle East and India, Ali Albwardy, Owner of Desert Palm, Neil Hobday, Chief Executive Guards Polo Club and American socialite, Olivia Palermo.
After four fast-paced chukkas, HRH Princess Haya presented the impressive Cartier trophy to the winning team. HRH Princess Haya, accompanied by the Marquess of Blandford, then awarded Amr Zedan of the Guards team with the La Martina Most Valuable Playerof the Tournament Award. The La Martina Best Playing Pony Rug was won by Ali Albwardy's Castora, who was played by Desert Palm's Diego Cavanagh.
For the first time, six 12-goal teams took part in the prestigious Cartier competition, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2015. Cartier's illustrious guests, which also included the Guards Team co-patron Prince Abbas bin Ali bin Nayef of Jordan, who was accompanied by his wife, Princess Sima Al Abbas,and Princess Yasmine bint Asem bin Nayef, were treated to an excellent display of exciting polo in amazing surroundings. Unfortunately, the morning's sandstorm had forced the cancellation of the subsidiary Desert Palm Trophy on pony welfare grounds and so Cartier Red and Abu Dhabi agreed to tie for third place.
VIPs and guests also had an invitation to view Cartier's latest collection, Cl de Cartier, in the beautifully styled Villa Layali. With Cartier's exquisite touch and sumptuous hospitality, the Cartier International Dubai Polo Challenge is already regarded as the most celebrated tournament of the year. This 10th anniversary event was no exception - in fact if improvement on perfection is possible, Cartier achieved it at Desert Palm yesterday.
Source: WAM