28 SIDELINESMAY 2014
FORHORSEPEOPLE • ABOUTHORSEPEOPLE
The kindof guy namedCarlosGracida.
Unfortunately there was only one of his kind, and his recent
death has left a hole in the heart of the sport. The polo world –
indeed, anyonewho knewCarlos – recognized him as one of the
greatest polo players, and finest human beings, of all time. The
legendary player diedFebruary 26, 2014after a tragic accident in
whichhis horse fell onhimduringplay at EvergladesPoloClub in
Wellington, Florida.
It’s difficult to quantify
what the loss of an
international
icon
like
Carlos Gracida means.
Among the elite handful
of 10-goal players in the
world, hewonmorenational
and international titles than
most people can count.
Those who knew Carlos
personally, however, have
no lackof words todescribe
the man who brought so
much to the world in his 53
ByDarleneRicker
W
hat kindof polosuperstar givesoneof hisbest-trained
horses toanother playerwhocan’t afford tobuyasafe
mount? Treats a beginner with the same respect he
does a student from the British royal family? Stops after amatch
to chat with a stranger who cheered him on from the sidelines?
Godspeed to theGreat
CarlosGracida
e
Tribute - Polo
WhenCarloswas inducted
into theMuseum of Polo
andHall of Fame, the
museum set up a display of
his trophies in themarquee
– a display that filled an
entirewall.
PhotobyAlexPacheco
Carlos’ son, Mariano, leads his dad’s horse duringa
touchingmemorial ceremony at the International Polo
Club, inWellington, Florida.
Photoby LILAPHOTO
