Apr 25, 2016 8:12 PM
It is fitting that the Ceremonial Retirement Bowl In at the U.S. Open Finals on Sunday was held for the legendary Wembley.
Born in 1993, Wembley was foaled by Catisfield Kid, out of Darkie, and purchased by Memo Gracida in 1999. Prior to landing with his current team, Valiente, he has been ridden by top polo talents and teams throughout his amazing career, including Memo and Carlos Gracida, Bautista Heguy, Nic Roldan, Pelón Stirling, Sapo Caset, Alejo Taranco and Tomás García del Río. All who have had the privilege to play Wembley agree on his outstanding ability and talents. In 2004, Wembley was honored with the “Horse of the Year” award.
A veteran of high-goal polo, Wembley played in both the American and English seasons from 2001 through 2007. Additionally, he played in the Argentine Triple Crown with Bautista Heguy in 2009 and 2010.
In 2013, the International Polo Club Palm Beach created the “Wembley Award” to acknowledge horses who have similarly displayed exceptional ability and longevity in high-goal polo.
In efforts to recreate his immense talent, two clones of Wembley have been created – one of which was born on the day of the 2015 U.S. Open Final, and was aptly named Penalty One. Both yearlings are set to become stallions in the La Dolfina breeding program.
Wembley will be turned out on Mimi Gracida’s ranch in North Carolina for a well-deserved retirement.
Effective Date: Saturday, May 16, 2020
The suspension of USPA Tournaments and Events will be lifted for USPA Member Clubs in locales where hosting polo matches and tournaments is permitted under applicable state and local laws, executive orders and similar decrees. The USPA Member Clubs in these locales are encouraged to follow all such requirements of their state and local authorities with respect to polo operations. In addition, we also encourage all USPA Member Clubs to take the precautions recommended by the CDC. We are preparing a detailed list of best practices for USPA Member Clubs as they return to hosting USPA Tournaments and Events and plan to circulate these guidelines within the next week. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely and will notify you if we determine a different course of action is necessary.
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