Trophée Bourbon 2025-A Thrilling Start to the High Goal Polo season in Chantilly

From May 8th to 18th, the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly hosted the Trophée Bourbon, the first 12-goal tournament of the season and a key fixture on the French polo calendar. Ten teams featuring seasoned professionals and rising stars came together for ten days of high-stakes competition, suspenseful matches, and standout performances that captivated players and spectators alike.

The Teams and Players

Among the ten participating teams were notable names like La Berta, Mustang, Audaz, Tédélou, Sainte Mesme, Rinidia, Eleven Eleven, La Victoire, Eternal J, and Animales Polo Team. Each brought their unique blend of talent and tactics, with players such as Matias T. Zavaleta (La Berta), Gaston Beguerie (Mustang), and Tete Storni (Audaz) leading the charge, supported by promising young talents like Lucie Venot.

High Drama in the Group Stage

The tournament kicked off with dominant performances. La Berta opened strong, defeating Eternal J 9–5 and later edging out Mustang 8–7 in a tight battle. Tédélou also impressed with a clutch 9–7 victory over Animales Polo Team to secure a semifinal spot.

Day 6 brought some of the most gripping moments: Audaz overcame Sainte Mesme 8–7 in a nail-biting finish thanks to captain Nicolas Constant’s decisive goals. Rinidia defeated La Victoire by a single goal, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout involving Mustang, Eleven Eleven, Sainte Mesme, and Rinidia. Ultimately, Mustang clinched the last semifinal slot.

Semifinals – A Battle of Grit and Finesse

The first semifinal saw La Berta living up to its reputation, outlasting Audaz 7–5 in a disciplined and defensively strong display. Meanwhile, Mustang faced Tédélou in a very different kind of game. The two sides traded goals early, but Mustang surged ahead in the fourth chukker, with young substitutes Lucie Venot and Côme Dubois playing vital roles in a dramatic 10–9 win.

Final: Mustang vs. La Berta – Redemption and Glory

The highly anticipated final was held on the main field of the Ferme d’Apremont under clear skies and with a vibrant crowd in attendance. La Berta, who had beaten Mustang in the group stage, started strong once again. But this time, Mustang came back with fire. Trailing at halftime, they regrouped with fierce determination.

Led by an outstanding Gaston Beguerie—who scored 5 of Mustang’s 8 goals, including 4 in the final two chukkers—Mustang mounted a brilliant comeback. The defense stood firm, the teamwork was fluid, and the energy on the field unmatched. In the end, Mustang edged out La Berta 8–7, claiming the Trophée Bourbon 2025 title in dramatic fashion.

Awards and Recognition

• MVP (Most Valuable Player): Lucie Venot, Mustang Polo Team – her performance as a substitute was key to the team’s success.

• BPP (Best Playing Pony): Santos Vega Milonga Sentimental, ridden by Gaston Beguerie in chukkers 3 & 5. This 8-year-old mare, recently brought to France, is from Beguerie’s family breeding.

• Final Umpires: Gaston Lucero, Clément Gosset, and 3rd man Hugo Iturraspe.

Third Place Shared

In the bronze match, Audaz and Tédélou drew 7–7, agreeing to share third place on the podium.

The Trophée Bourbon 2025 was a spectacular launch to the season, offering unforgettable moments, passionate play, and thrilling finishes. Mustang Polo Team emerged as deserving champions—resilient, dynamic, and united. With this level of competition, all eyes now turn to the upcoming Polo Nations Cup, where many of these teams will return with even higher ambitions.