Polo returns to grass in Chantilly: 2026 season opens with a milestone anniversary

The Polo Nations Cup headlines a landmark year as the club celebrates 30 years of international sport and culture

The grass polo season is back underway in Chantilly, bringing with it strong participation, a packed schedule, and a significant anniversary. The Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly kicks off 2026 with over 600 horses already in work and 17 teams entered across various levels from the very first weekend. The return to grass also marks the official start of the 12-goal season, which begins on Friday, May 8, with the Coupe PGH, featuring teams from France, Belgium, and Italy.

This seasonal shift also signals the return of a defining presence in the sport: Argentine players. Arriving with their families and entourages, they bring a distinctive atmosphere shaped by the Castilian language, lively rhythms, and a deeply rooted horse culture. On the fields of the Ferme d’Apremont, amid galloping hooves and daily training, polo regains its authentic rhythm, where the partnership between rider and horse remains central, and the shared energy of the game drives every match.

This return to grass also sets the stage for the first major event of the season: the Polo Nations Cup, scheduled from June 12 to 27, alongside the OniriQ Ladies Polo Nations Cup starting June 22. These two competitions represent the pinnacle of Chantilly’s summer calendar.

The year 2026 holds particular significance as the club celebrates its 30th anniversary. Founded in 1996 by Patrick Guerrand-Hermès, the club has established itself as a key venue on the international polo circuit. Its success has been built around the horses, the true protagonists of the sport. The polo ponies, meticulously prepared by petiseros, benefit from the exceptional facilities of the Ferme d’Apremont, which enjoys a reputation extending well beyond France.

Beyond sporting excellence, Chantilly stands out for its inclusive spirit, welcoming both seasoned professionals and newcomers. Here, polo is not only played but experienced as a shared culture—one that has been passed down for three decades and continues to evolve.

The Polo Nations Cup lies at the heart of this anniversary season. Now in its fourth edition, it will feature ten nations and regions competing over fifteen days. Among them, France Occitanie will return to defend its 2025 title with Isabelle Larenaudie, joined by Simon Zavaleta, Ramiro Zavaleta, and promising young French player Elouan Badarello.

Badarello reflected on facing one of Argentina’s leading players during the previous edition, stating: “Defending him is extremely difficult. You need to be more than one. Alone, he makes your life impossible. But it’s exceptional to face a player of that level, and a real chance to have someone like that in Chantilly.”

His words highlight both the challenge and the privilege of competing at this level.

Among the most anticipated opponents will once again be the Argentine team from Córdoba, led by Matias Torres Zavaleta, finalists in 2025. Their renewed rivalry promises a compelling contest and reinforces Chantilly’s role as a crossroads of international polo.

The women’s tournament continues to gain momentum. Four teams are currently entered, including defending champions Hauts-de-France, led by Bianca Verneuil. They will compete against France Normandie, Israel, and the Netherlands, the latter being the only fully amateur team, captained by Sophie Rakic and composed entirely of club players. This reflects a broader trend, with women’s polo steadily expanding in both participation and competitive depth.

The finals, scheduled for Saturday, June 27, will be accompanied by a public village offering entertainment, food, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere in keeping with the Chantilly spirit. The celebrations will continue throughout the weekend with the club’s 30th anniversary festivities.

A highlight of these celebrations will be the Legends Tournament, bringing former captains and iconic figures of Chantilly back onto the field. Among them will be André Fabre, the renowned racehorse trainer, alongside former Argentine professionals Tomas Goti and Diego Zavaleta, all ready to pick up their mallets once again.

Thirty years after its foundation, the Polo Club of Chantilly remains true to its identity: a demanding yet inclusive polo environment where sport, horses, and people continue to move forward together. For more information and the full calendar of events, visit www.poloclubchantilly.com

Photo credits: © Justine Jacquemot
Source: Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly press release

© Rights Reserved.