BRONZE TROPHY®
TOURNAMENT HISTORY
Established in 1980, the Bronze Trophy is a prestigious national tournament played at the 8- to 12-goal level. Originally hosted at Gulfstream Polo Club (now defunct) in Florida until its closure, the tournament relocated in 2015 to New Bridge Polo & Country Club in Aiken, South Carolina. Displaying the breath of exceptional talent required to raise the coveted trophy, no team has accomplished back-to-back victories in its three decade history, with The Glenlivet (1984, 1986), Equuleus (2000, 2010) and LBL (2018, 2023) each topping the podium twice. Recent champions include Foxdale Equine (2017), Skaneateles (2019) and Hit Air (2020).
In 2023, LBL Polo (Alison Patricelli, Harry Caldwell, Charlie Caldwell, Ignacio "Nachi" Viana) faced Upatoi Green (Josh Escapite, Jake Flournoy, Thomas “Tommy” Huber Jr., Dennys Santana). LBL's relentless effort on both sides of the ball gave the team in pink a 10-5 lead. Despite Upatoi Green's strong second half comeback, LBL Polo maintained their composure, culminating in a hard-fought 12-11 triumph.
Relocating to the West Coast, four talented teams (La Karina, La Karina II, Los Altos, Maharlika) will descend on La Herradura Polo Club LLC in Santa Ynez, California, to award a new champion.
This year's competition welcomes back Bronze Trophy victors, Carlos "Carlitos" Gracida Jr. and Mariano "Nano" Gracida. Teaming up once more for La Karina II, the brothers previously triumphed together in 2012 (La Espuelas). "Nano" secured his first title in 2009 (Audi), while "Carlitos" claimed his in 2013 (La Herradura). Also earning an individual victory in 2007 (Clinique Terre), Santiago Torres will vie for his second Bronze Trophy with La Karina.
Representing Team USPA is Active Member Kristos "Keko" Magrini (Los Altos) alongside alumni Santiago Torres (La Karina) and Santino Magrini (Maharlika).
Photo: 2023 Bronze Trophy Champions: LBL Polo - Harry Caldwell, Alison Patricelli, Ignacio "Nachi" Viana, Charlie Caldwell. ©Katie Roth
