DUBAI, UAE
Dubai, UAE – February 2026 — The sixth AHPC Excellence Awards arrived earlier this year at Al Habtoor Polo Club & Resort, bringing together players, patrons, sponsors, and distinguished guests for an evening celebrating the passion, sportsmanship, and strong community spirit that shape the club’s dynamic season.
The occasion was honored by the presence of H.E. Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, adding prestige to the celebration.
So far, the 2025–2026 season has delivered outstanding highlights — from thrilling chukkers and prestigious tournaments to engaging showjumping and dressage competitions. The awards paid tribute to the people behind these moments: talented athletes, promising academy students, committed members, and valued sponsors who collectively bring the season to life.
With an atmosphere of appreciation and excitement, the ceremony recognized standout performances, rising stars from the Polo Academy, dedicated contributors working behind the scenes, and exceptional riders from the Equestrian and Riding School — all applauded for their commitment and impact throughout the season.
As the season continues, Al Habtoor Polo Club looks ahead with gratitude and ambition, promising even more memorable experiences in the months to come.
Best Academy Player Award
Nominees:
Feras Al Sadek
Bobby Kamani
Sardar Ahmad Ayaz Sadiq
Dr. Peter Loizou
Winner:
Sardar Ahmad Ayaz Sadiq
Progress Award
Nominees:
Theresa Grodd
Hugo Huere
Tanja Frei
Tarek L'emir Abillma
Mahmoud ElBagir
Winner:
Mahmoud ElBagir
Rookie of the Year
Nominees:
Romain Gerard-Fresse
Freddie Leyland
M. Saad Zia Jehangiri
Khalifa Al Maktoum
Winner:
Romain Gerardin-Fresse
Rising Star
Nominees:
Mahmoud ElBagir
Abigail Sergeant
Theresa Grodd
Jaimal Shergill
Mateo Werle
Winner:
Abigail Sergeant
Academy Amateur
Nominees:
Maryne Lotty Eslous
Tanja Frei
Megan Flemming
Hugo Huere
Bobby Kamani
Winner:
Bobby Kamani
Rising Novice Member
Nominees:
Freddie Leyland
M. Saad Zia Jehangiri
Romain Gerard-Fresse
Gidreus Pukas
Winner:
Freddie Leyland
Progressive Player Award
(Low Goal Tournaments)
Nominees:
Khalaf Al Habtoor
Hani Jabsheh
Romain Gerard-Fresse
Sultan Al Fasal
Khalifa Al Maktoum
M. Saad Zia Jehangiri
Winner:
M. Saad Zia Jehangiri
Polo Player of the Season
Nominees:
Mohammed Al Habtoor
Tariq Al Habtoor
Juan Cruz Guevara
Santos Iriarte
Romain Gerard-Fresse
Winner:
Santos Iriarte
Most Outstanding High Goal Team
Nominees:
Habtoor Polo
UAE Polo
Dubai Wolves by Thera
Bangash Polo
Jehangiri Polo
Ghantoot Polo
Winner:
UAE Polo
Most Outstanding High Goal Patron
Nominees:
Habtoor Al Habtoor
Mohammed Al Habtoor
Muhammed Anas Zia Jehangiri
Haider Bangash
Sheika Maitha Al Maktoum
Winner:
Haider Bangash
Most Outstanding High Goal Pro
Nominees:
Gonzalo Pieres
Bautista Bayugar
Marcos Araya
Tomas Llorente Jr.
Felix Esain
Lucas Monteverde
Winner:
Bautista Bayugar
Most Outstanding GCC Player
Nominees:
Mohammed Al Habtoor
Habtoor Al Habtoor
Sheika Maitha Al Maktoum
Khalifa Al Maktoum
Winner:
Habtoor Al Habtoor
Polo Special Recognition Award
Nominees:
Jehangiri Polo
RGF Polo
Dubai Wolves
Al Faisal
Winner:
RGF Polo
Most Outstanding Contribution to the World of Polo
Nominees:
IFZA
Bentley Motors
CNYD (China Railway)
Bentley
U.S Polo Association
DiamondLease
Winner:
IFZA
Best Team of the Season
Nominees:
Habtoor Polo
Bhansali
Jehangiri
Winner:
Habtoor Polo
Best Polo Organization
Nominees:
Al Faisal
Habtoor Polo
El Basha
Jehangiri Polo
Winner:
El Basha
Female Polo Player of the Season
Nominees:
Safa Khurshid
Sheika Maitha Al Maktoum
Petra Spanko
Rafia Al Mulla
Winner:
Safa Khurshid
Member Loyalty & Appreciation Award
Winner:
Sheika Alya Al Maktoum
Hall of Fame Award
Winner:
Dr. Abdulrahman Abbar
Recognition Award for Best Mounted Pro
Nominees:
Santiago Laborde
Antonio Heguy
Rosendo Torreguitar
Federico Von Potobsky
Carlos Ulloa
Winner:
Federico Von Potobsky
Media Appreciation Award
Winners:
Mr. Hassan Refaat Mohamed
Mr. Faiz Farhan Bajbouj
Best Equestrian Organization
(Livery)
Nominees:
Andy Fulcher Team
KidZink (Paolo Borghesi)
Lianne Holloway
Jillian Boscolo ( Dutch Dressage )
Sophia Alexandra Ashcroft
Winner:
Andy Fulcher Team
National and International Competition Achievers
(Livery)
Nominees:
Fatima Intan Yousuf Abdullah Al Mulla
Scarlett Sofia Dufva
Jillian Boscolo
Sophia Alexandra Ashcroft
Winner:
Fatima Intan Yousuf Abdullah Al Mulla
Club Support & Loyalty Award
(Livery)
Nominees:
Andy Fulcher
Dean Bramley
Khaled Hassan
Joanne Jeung Hun Kil
Leyland Family
Winner:
Khaled Hassan
Next Generation Rider (Equestrian)
(Equestrian)
Nominees:
Ara Bella Bramley
Beenish Kidwai
Chloe Cassanova
Zaara Nawab
Winner:
Zaara Nawab
Rising Reins
(Equestrian)
Nominees:
Ara Bella Bramley
Maia Abdin
Nelli Semenchukova
Isabel Philip
Winner:
Ara Bella Bramley
Rising Star
(Riding School)
Nominees:
Isis Fulcher
Ava Holloway
Coco Holloway
Chloe Casanova
Winner:
Isis Fulcher
Rider Loyalty Award
(Riding School)
Nominees:
Maisie Heather Sykes
Amelia Vandervalt
Camila Schubert
Esha Dennis
Henry Sun
Winner:
Maisie Heather Sykes
Rookie of the Season
(Riding School)
Nominees:
Grace Taylor
Maysem Alashtar
Mufida Alashtar
Maia Abdin
Winner:
Grace Taylor
Outstanding Equestrian Horse
Winner:
VASKA/ Leyland Family