Legends Of Polo Event Continues The Far-Reaching Legacy Of Carlos Gracida
By Candace Ferreira
Under crisp skies and the hum of anticipation, team Gracida I delivered a performance that was as much about heart as it was about skill, capturing the Legends of Polo Carlos Gracida Memorial on Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington — a venue where tradition, family history and competitive excellence intersect.
The team of Marc Ganzi, Grant Ganzi, Mariano “Nano” Gracida and Carlos Gracida Jr. moved with the effortless precision of a unit bound not only by talent but by legacy. Their intuitive chemistry and composed execution propelled them to a 4-2 victory over a determined team Gracida II lineup featuring Juancito Bollini, Joseph Schwartz, Gaston Dorignac and Santos Bollini.
From the first throw-in, the match unfolded with the kind of intensity that Grand Champions is known for hosting. Gracida I set the early tempo, orchestrating clean, coordinated plays and intelligent ball movement. Their defensive line was equally sharp — organized, disciplined and unyielding. Every drive down the field reflected a unified front, a team reading the field and each other with instinctive clarity. The connection between the players, strengthened by both family ties and years of playing together, added a depth to their performance that allowed them to stay composed even as Gracida II ramped up the pressure.
One of the afternoon’s brightest highlights came from Oli Janet, an 11-year-old chestnut Argentine mare ridden by Marc Ganzi and owned by Santa Rita Polo Farm. Her agility, sensitivity and brilliance under pressure were unmistakable, earning Best Playing Pony honors. Every stride showed the harmony between horse and rider — each turn and burst of acceleration executed with a confidence and fluidity that define elite polo partnerships. Oli Janet’s recognition was a reminder of the essential bond at the heart of the sport that often becomes the difference-maker in matches played at the highest level.
Beyond the competition itself, the day held a deeper emotional resonance. The Legends of Polo match is more than a seasonal highlight; it is a tribute to the incomparable Carlos Gracida, whose influence continues to shape the sport at every level. At Grand Champions — a venue where he played, coached and inspired countless players — his presence is still woven into the very fabric of the grounds. The match served as a living celebration of his legacy, and a testament to the enduring impact he made on polo and the many athletes who continue to honor him with every ride onto the field.
Carlos Gracida, born in Mexico in 1960, is remembered as one of the greatest polo players of the modern era. Rising to the elite 10-goal handicap, he dominated the sport’s most prestigious tournaments multiple times, including the Argentine Open, British Open and U.S. Open. His brilliance extended well beyond his competitive record.
Gracida was beloved for his humility, discipline and quiet grace. He inspired generations of players, from aspiring juniors to global royalty, offering guidance with a rare combination of gentleness, generosity and strategic genius. His influence reshaped the landscape of international polo and elevated the standards of the sport.
Gracida’s tragic passing in 2014 was a devastating loss, yet his legacy continues to reverberate powerfully. It lives on in the players he mentored, the families he touched and events like the Gracida Memorial match, which keeps his spirit vibrant and present.
For Gracida I, the win was more than a tally on the scoreboard, it was a tribute in motion. Every goal, every play and every moment on the field became part of a larger story: a story of legacy, family, passion and the timeless presence of a champion whose spirit still echoes across the fields of the Grand Champions Polo Club.
