WELLINGTON, Fla., November 21, 2024---The International Cup and Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial doubleheader highlight a busy weekend of fall polo at Grand Champions Polo Club.
By Sharon Robb
The Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial continues the Hall of Famer's legacy by honoring one of the sport's greats, who died tragically in February, 2014 at age 53.
The Mexican-American polo player reached 10 goals at age 25. Born in Mexico City he was a member of the Gracida polo dynasty. He began playing when he was only five years old and started competing at age ten.
In 1994 Gracida won nearly every tournament in the game, including the Argentine Triple Crown of Hurlingham, Tortugas and Palermo. That same year, he also won the U.S. Open and the British Open Gold Cup, becoming the only player in history to win the Grand Slam of Polo, in 1987, a feat he replicated twice in 1988 and 1994. He became a U.S. citizens two months before his death.
The Legends game will follow the opening feature game at 2 p.m. when GCPC USA faces the Rest of the World on the 13th anniversary of the coveted International Cup.
GCPC USA is led by veteran 8-goaler Nic Roldan, making his 11th appearance. Joining him are Grant Ganzi, Jason Crowder and Carlitos Gracida.
The Rest of the World features Julio Gracida of Mexico, Pierre Henri Ngoumou of France, Tomacho Pieres of Argentina and Sugar Erskine of South Africa.
In a true family affair, the Legends Of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial teams are: Gracida I vs. Gracida II. Playing for Gracida I will be Weston Gracida, Julio Gracida, Grant Ganzi and Sugar Erskine.
Gracida II will feature two sets of brothers, Carlitos and Mariano Gracida and Santos and Juancito Bollini.
In last year's game, GCPC had its 11-year win streak snapped by Spain in overtime, 6-5, and will try to bounce back and start a new streak. It is the 13th time Grand Champions Polo Club has hosted a major international men's game in Wellington.
Since 2012 in front of sellout crowds and worldwide ChukkerTV audience, GCPC USA has beaten England, Chile, Mexico, South Africa, Uruguay, Brazil, Azerbaijan, France, Argentina twice and Switzerland in the annual battle.
GCPC USA team results featuring a Who's Who of polo players are:
2023: Spain, 6, GCPC USA 5, OT, Santos Bollini, Juan Bollini, Nic Roldan, Louis Devaleix.
2022: GCPC USA 6, Switzerland 5, Grant Ganzi, Jack McLean, Daren Tamplin, Nic Roldan.
2021: GCPC USA 10, Argentina 5, Grant Ganzi, Jason Crowder, Nic Roldan, Tommy Biddle.
2020: GCPC USA 7, Argentina 4, Grant Ganzi, Jeff Hall, Nic Roldan, Juan Bollini.
2019: GCPC USA, 9, France, 8, Marc Ganzi, Grant Ganzi, Nic Roldan, Juancito Bollini.
2018: GCPC USA, 9, Azerbaijan 7.5, Marc Ganzi, Grant Ganzi, Jeff Blake, Juan Bollini.
2017: GCPC USA 9, Brazil 7, Grant Ganzi, Carlitos Gracida, Julio Arellano, Mike Azzaro.
2016: GCPC USA 6, Uruguay, 3, Marc Ganzi, Grant Ganzi, Julio Arellano, Nic Roldan.
2015: GCPC USA 12, South Africa 7, Marc Ganzi, Jeff Hall, Nic Roldan, Julio Arellano.
2014: GCPC USA 3, Mexico 2.5 and USA 2, Team USPA 1.5, Marc Ganzi, Wes Finlayson, Nic Roldan, Mason Wroe.
2013: GCPC USA 13, Chile 8, Marc Ganzi, Nic Roldan, Jeff Hall, Carlitos Gracida.
2012: GCPC USA 8.5, England 6, Marc Ganzi, Carlitos Gracida, Jeff Hall, Nic Roldan.
Award-winning and world renowned Ken-Rose Catering will serve as the official caterer for VIPs, special guests and players. The menu's theme will center around popular food from various countries that are participating in the game.
Now in its 11th year supporting the international event, Tito's is a VIP sponsor. The handmade vodka works with events like this to "turn spirits into love and goodness."
The doubleheader benefits The Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame, a non-profit educational organization, dedicated to fostering an appreciation of the development, history and tradition of the sport of polo by collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting its collections as well as honoring those who have made outstanding contributions to the sport.