The Hurlingham Open is the first leg of the Argentine Triple Crown, the most prestigious series in world polo. Played at the Hurlingham Club in the Buenos Aires suburbs, the 2026 edition runs from September 23 through October 4. At the 40-goal handicap with 8-chukker matches, the Hurlingham Open operates at the highest level of competition in the sport, a standard no other polo nation reaches.
The format combines league play with knockout rounds, producing approximately two weeks of intense competition. The 40-goal limit means each four-player team fields a combined handicap of 40, which in practice requires four players rated at or near the maximum individual rating of 10. The 2026 Argentine Triple Crown features La Natividad La Dolfina at a perfect 40 goals, with Adolfo Cambiaso, Poroto Cambiaso, Camilo Castagnola, and Barto Castagnola. Challengers include Ellerstina Indios Chapaleufu (36 goals) with Facundo Pieres and Gonzalito Pieres, and Las Monjitas (35 goals) featuring Juan Martin Nero and David Stirling.
Buenos Aires operates in the America/Argentina/Buenos_Aires timezone at UTC-3 year-round, with no daylight saving adjustments. The final on October 4 at 16:00 is 19:00 in London, 20:00 in Central Europe, 15:00 in New York, and 04:00 the following day in Tokyo. Check whatisthetime.now/buenos-aires for current local time in Argentina.
The Hurlingham Open sets the tone for the entire Triple Crown season. Performance here shapes seedings, confidence, and tactical approach for the Tortugas Open and the Argentine Open at Palermo. Pablo Mac Donough, a 9-time Hurlingham Open champion, leads La Irenita (34 goals), while Hilario Ulloa captains La Hache (34 goals) alongside his brother Carlos Maria.
The 8-chukker format is unique to Argentine high-goal polo and tests horses, stamina, and depth of talent in ways that 6-chukker tournaments cannot. Each team requires a string of at least 12 horses per match, and the extended playing time rewards teams with superior horsepower and tactical patience.