This past Tuesday, the legendary polo player Carlos Gracida, has passed away due to the injuries caused by a horse fall, during a match that afternoon in Wellington, Florida. A legend of polo, and a great man passed, leaving behind an astonishing legacy that will remain in our minds and that is engraved on the pages of polo history.
This player, born in Mexico 53 years ago, reached the top leagues in polo, and stayed in that position until the last day. Carlos Gracida is considered the best polo player in the history of Mexico, and one of the best ones in the world. He won the coveted Argentine Open five times times. He was a member of the second of five teams that have won the Open while rated at a team handicap of +40-goals. This was in 1989 and 1990 with La Espadaña.
Gracida won the Triple Crown in Argentina in 1994 playing with Ellerstina. He also is the only player in polo history to have won the Grand Slam of Polo (US Open, British Open and the Argentine Open in a calendar year) which he accomplished three times, in 1988, 1989 and 1994. But there are more triumphs in his records: winner of the British Open for 10 times; 5 times considered the Most Valuable Player in the Argentine Open, and more.
His sons, Carlos Jr. and Mariano, are also professional players. His brother, Memo, is in the Hall of Fame.
POLO+10 is deeply saddened by the passing of this great legend, our deepest and warmest condolencies to the Gracida family.
In 2012, POLO+10 went along to meet the polo legend. Read the POLO+10 article about Carlos Gracida:
→ Download POLO+10 article about Carlos Gracida
