Argentine Polo, Palermo Open and Cloned Horses — 2026-09-08
The Argentine polo season has officially kicked off with the 61st Jockey Club Open, marking the start of the road to the Triple Crown. High-profile revelations from Adolfo Cambiaso regarding the mass cloning of his legendary horses have reignited debates on ethics and genetics, while the Association of Argentine Polo (AAP) confirmed the upcoming fixture for the Hurlingham Open qualifiers.
Argentine Polo, Palermo Open and Cloned Horses — 2026-09-08
Top developments
Jockey Club Open Kicks Off Triple Crown Season
The 61st edition of the Abierto del Jockey Club began in San Isidro, serving as the traditional opener for the Argentine polo season. The tournament features the return of Bartolomé "Lolo" Castagnola, who is competing at age 56, adding a narrative of longevity and experience to the early season matches. This event sets the stage for the subsequent Hurlingham, Tortugas, and Palermo Opens.
Cambiaso Details Extensive Cloning Efforts in Media Interview
Adolfo Cambiaso, widely regarded as the greatest polo player in history, appeared on the television program Otro Día Perdido hosted by Mario Pergolini. In a striking revelation, Cambiaso disclosed that he has cloned his iconic mare, Cuartetera, approximately 80 times. This admission underscores the scale of genetic replication in high-goal polo and sparked immediate discussion about the philosophical and ethical implications of such practices in the sport.
AAP Announces Fixture for Hurlingham Open Qualifiers
The Asociación Argentina de Polo (AAP) released the schedule for the upcoming qualifiers leading into the Hurlingham Open. The tournament is set to run from September 24 to October 2, featuring eight teams competing for two spots in the main draw of the Hurlingham Open. This phase is critical for teams aiming to secure a place in the Triple Crown series, which culminates in the Palermo Open.
La Natividad La Dolfina Maintains Dominance in Recent Titles
While not a new event this week, the context of the current season is defined by the recent dominance of La Natividad La Dolfina. The team, led by the Cambiaso brothers, recently secured the Triple Crown by winning the Palermo Open final against Ellerstina-Indios Chapaleufú. Their continued presence as the team to beat influences lineup decisions and horse acquisitions across all major clubs.
Local view
Local media outlets are focusing heavily on the intersection of tradition and technology. La Nación highlighted the emotional return of veteran player Bartolomé Castagnola, framing it as a testament to the sport's enduring appeal despite the influx of cloned thoroughbreds. Meanwhile, entertainment outlets like Ciudad Magazine and A24 amplified Cambiaso’s comments on cloning, bringing the niche debate of equine genetics to a broader public audience. The consensus among local stakeholders is that while cloning is now an "industry" rather than a rarity, it remains a source of significant ethical tension within the traditionalist circles of the Jockey Club and Hurlingham.
Context & numbers
- Cloning Scale: Adolfo Cambiaso revealed 80 clones of his famous mare Cuartetera, highlighting the industrial scale of replication in top-tier polo.
- Tournament Dates: The qualifier for the Hurlingham Open runs from September 24 to October 2, 2026.
- Market Value: While specific auction data for September 2026 is not yet available in the recent results, historical context indicates that base polo horses range from $10,000 to over $100,000, with cloned elites commanding significantly higher premiums due to proven performance.
On the radar
- Hurlingham Open Qualifiers: Watch for the eight teams competing between Sept 24 and Oct 2 to secure the two spots for the main Hurlingham Open tournament.
- Ethical Debate: Expect continued media coverage following Cambiaso's interview regarding the "80 clones," which may prompt further statements from the AAP or breed registries like the ACCP.
- Triple Crown Momentum: Performance in the Jockey Club Open will be scrutinized as an indicator of form for the upcoming Hurlingham and Tortugas Opens.
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