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Standing Rock has claimed the coveted Milford NZ Polo Open 2026 title, defeating The Brinks 16–13 in a thrilling and fiercely contested final at Auckland Polo Club in Clevedon.
Now in its 49th year, the Milford NZ Polo Open delivered elite high-goal polo before a capacity crowd, reinforcing its place as New Zealand’s premier championship and one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most competitive tournaments.
The final opened at blistering pace, with The Brinks and Standing Rock locked level after the third chukka in a display of tactical precision and relentless intensity. With momentum evenly balanced at half-time, the match remained finely poised.
It was in the second half that Standing Rock asserted control. At the centre of the charge was New Zealand’s highest-ranked polo player, JP Clarkin (6), whose composure and authority proved decisive. Clarkin dictated the tempo, seamlessly transitioning from defence to attack and providing the leadership backbone that steadied the side under pressure.
“Finals like this are never easy,” said Clarkin. “The Brinks pushed us hard and being level after the third chukka meant we had to stay disciplined. I’m incredibly proud of the way the team lifted in the second half, and to win this title at home is always special.”
English professional Jimbo Fewster (5) delivered a commanding performance, scoring an extraordinary 12 goals to earn the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title. Rising Swiss talent Pier Müller (3) showed maturity beyond his years, while Steve Urquhart (0) provided structure and tireless support to complete a cohesive and strategically sharp unit. With teammates and supporters lining the field, Standing Rock lifted the trophy, marking the culmination of a fiercely contested week of high-calibre polo.
Equine excellence was also celebrated during the final ceremony. The Best Playing Pony award was presented to Kahu, owned by Alex Richardson and played by MVP Jimbo Fewster, recognising the horse’s outstanding athleticism and contribution to the championship victory. The Best Playing Thoroughbred honour went to Piper, owned by the Van den Brink family and played by Argentine star Juan Gris Zavalata of the Brinks team, highlighting the continued strength and adaptability of thoroughbred talent at the highest level of the sport.
The prestigious Standing Rock Fair Play Award was awarded to Experieco, recognising the team that best showed sportsmanship, respect for umpires, discipline and commitment to equine welfare throughout the tournament.
“The calibre of polo we witnessed this week was exceptional,” Milford NZ Polo Open executive director Lucy Ainsley said.
“To see New Zealand talent competing, and winning, at this level speaks to the strength and future of the sport here. The Milford NZ Polo Open continues to raise the bar each year.”
Beyond the field, the Fashion Quarterly Fashion at the Polo competition once again showcased refined summer elegance. Judged by Sarah Murray (Fashion Quarterly), Caitlin Crisp, Rob Niwa (Crane Brothers) and Holly Estelle, this year’s winners were Best Dressed Lady Eleanor Campbell, Best Dressed Man Hunter Masfen and Best Accessory Anna Campbell. In a fitting moment of generational style, both Eleanor and her mother, Anna, claimed titles on the day.
Finals Day delivered its signature blend of elite sport and summer energy, from the car versus polo pony sprint to the time-honoured tradition of Stomping the Divots. As the sun set over Clevedon’s rolling green fields, celebrations continued into the official afterparty on Chukka Lawn, closing out a tournament that continues to elevate the standard of polo in Australasia.
