La Natividad-La Dolfina Win Triple Crown: Palermo Final Recap & Reactions
BUENOS AIRES – A dream final for Ellerstina-Indios Chapaleufú ended with a mix of frustration and pride Sunday at the Argentine Polo Open in Palermo, as they fell to the dominant La Natividad-La Dolfina team, 16-13. The loss denied the younger team a historic Triple Crown victory, but marked a significant milestone in their burgeoning careers.
La Natividad-La Dolfina, widely considered the favorites with a formidable 40-goal handicap, secured the Triple Crown with the win. However, Ellerstina-Indios Chapaleufú, comprised of the Heguy and Cruz brothers alongside Antonio, mounted a spirited challenge, briefly closing the gap and demonstrating their potential on the world stage.
Antonio Heguy, a breakout star this season, expressed disappointment despite a strong showing.
Fabián Marelli
“It’s a shame, we lost our system when they pulled ahead by six or seven goals,” said Cruz Heguy, reflecting on a pivotal moment in the match. “We got within two goals at one point, and were close to tying it up at the end. But it was the first Palermo final for Antonio and me, and I really enjoyed it. Obviously, it’s more enjoyable to win, but we’re very happy to have reached this stage.”
The match took a dramatic turn in the final chukker with a hamstring injury to Facundo Pieres. He briefly returned to the field to acknowledge his teammates and opponents before being replaced by Pedro Zacharias, who had earlier secured a surprising qualification for the 2026 Triple Crown through the repechage tournament.
“It was a shame that Facu couldn’t finish the match; he was already struggling with his hamstring,” Cruz Heguy explained. “Pedrinho came in and did a great job under a lot of pressure in the last chukker. I’m very grateful to him.” He also extended his gratitude to the entire Ellerstina organization and his family for their unwavering support.
Antonio Heguy, who has emerged as a key player this season, echoed his cousin’s sentiments. “I think we had some bad chukkers in the middle of the game, and you can’t give these teams that kind of advantage,” he said. “I’m happy to have reached the final, but I also feel like we could have played a little better. I had some good games, but could have played better today.”
A controversial penalty call in the closing stages, reviewed by video replay, added to the drama. “It’s very difficult to see clearly because the ball goes so high,” Cruz Heguy said. “I thought it was a goal at first, but it wasn’t clear on the replay. Any decision would have been fair, it was very close.”
Despite the defeat, the team remains optimistic about the future. Polo in Argentina is not merely a sport; it’s a deeply ingrained cultural tradition with a significant economic impact, generating an estimated $150 million annually, according to the Argentine Polo Association. The success of younger players like the Heguy and Cruz brothers is vital for the continued growth and international appeal of the sport.
“Yes, we’ll continue together next year and try again,” Cruz Heguy affirmed, signaling a commitment to building on this promising performance. The team’s resilience and determination suggest they will be strong contenders for years to come.