R&R Polo crowned Viking Cup champions after dramatic final

The 2026 Viking Cup polo competition was held at Ballacooiley Equestrian Estate recently.

The competition was hosted by Triskelion Polo Club in conjunction with Ramsey Crookall and brought together teams from the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom for the fourth staging of the tournament.

R&R Polo claimed the trophy following a gripping 2-1.5 victory over Locate IoM in a final that delivered a dramatic conclusion to the three-day tournament.

Locate held the advantage deep into the fourth chukka, before R&R scored both of their goals in the closing minutes to overturn the match and secure the title.

The final was played at the two-goal level, with each team’s combined handicap calculated from the individual ratings of its four players.

Polo handicaps measure a player’s overall ability and range from -2 for beginners to +10 for the world’s leading players. Where teams have different combined handicaps, the lower-rated side receives a starting allowance to help balance the match.

Final Viking Cup standings: 1, R&R Polo; 2, Locate IoM; 3, Ramsey Crookall; 4, Dundee & Perth Polo Club.

Mammoth Tooth Trophy: 1, Locate IoM; 2, Ramsey Crookall; 3, Shrewsbury PC; 4, Triskelion Contracting; 5, Kinross PC.

The event attracted more than 800 spectators across the three days, with a notable increase in visitors from the UK plus business guests attending the corporate day in support of Hospice Isle of Man.

Notable guests included broadcaster Noel Edmonds and actor John Rhys-Davies.

Saturday’s sold-out ladies’ day again proved to be one of the highlights as guests enjoyed polo, hospitality and the best-dressed competitions.

Live entertainment formed an important part of the weekend, with the Blue Vannin Jazz Band performing on both Friday and Saturday, while the sold-out ladies’ day concluded with a vinyl DJ set from John Bolton, which brought the day to a lively close.

Sunday’s finals day was attended by His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor and Lady Lorimer.

The charitable impact of the weekend was another major success. Hospice Isle of Man raised £5,788 during Friday’s corporate day, while Mannin Cancers Help Centre also raised just over £6,000 during ladies’ day.

Frazer Houston, director of Triskelion Polo Club, said: 'From a sporting perspective, this was one of our strongest tournaments to date.

'The quality of polo across the weekend was excellent and the final could hardly have been more dramatic, with R&R Polo scoring twice in the closing minutes of the fourth chukka to take the title.

'It was also encouraging to see more visitors travelling from the UK and more than 800 spectators attending across the three days.

'That growth shows the Viking Cup is continuing to establish itself as both a prestigious polo event and a significant fixture in the Isle of Man’s summer calendar.'

Joanna Crookall, Ramsey Crookall chief executive officer, added: 'The 2026 Viking Cup has been a particularly special occasion for Ramsey Crookall as we celebrate our 80th anniversary.

'It provided an opportunity to bring together clients, colleagues, charities and visitors in a setting that reflects the importance we place on long-standing relationships and supporting the island’s community.

'We were especially pleased with the success of corporate day and the sold-out ladies’ day, and with the substantial sums raised for Hospice Isle of Man and Mannin Cancers Help Centre.

'I would like to thank everyone who supported the event and helped make it such a memorable part of our anniversary year, and particular thanks to His Excellency for presenting the awards.'

The organisers wish to thank the competing teams, sponsors, charities, suppliers, officials, volunteers and spectators whose support contributed to the success of the tournament.

NEIL ULYATE