June 2021 Polo Players' Edition- Polo For Jockeys

Arena event raises funds for PDJF

Jorge Vasquez and emcee Gary Stevens

Jockeys may be accustomed to galloping Thoroughbreds, but swinging a polo mallet while galloping, not so much. The Polo for Jockeys event allowed jockeys to experience what some Thoroughbreds can do after they are retired from racing, and raise money at the same time.

The event was held at Commonwealth Polo Club in Paris, Kentucky, April 23. It was organized by club co-founder Jorge Vasquez, whose family is involved in racing, including a brother who is a retired jockey. The event was a fundraiser for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

Four chukkers were played with each chukker a separate match. Players Juan Valerdi and Gustavo Olea anchored the teams and played in each chukker alongside current and retired jockeys. Gainesway Farm and Mt. Brilliant Farm were title sponsors for the match and other farms sponsored each team. Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens emceed the event.

A blind horse, guided by its seeing-eye pony, carried the flag.

Game 1 had Team Valor (Olea, Shelly Moran-Taylor, James Bruin) taking on Don Alberto (Valerdi, Michael Heath, PJ Cooksey). The second game pitted Godolphin at Jonabell Farm (Olea, Rowdy Luark, Anthony Stephen) against Silver Springs Training (Valerdi, Thiago Canuto, Geena Lucille). Game 3 saw Winstar Farm (Olea Chris McCarron, Rosie Napravnik) battle Vinery Sales (Valerdi, Crystal Conning, Patrick Morral), and Game 4 had Safari North Farm (Olea, Susan Moulton, Chris McCarron) face Bowling Bloodstock (Valerdi, Matt Bowling, Carl Faulconer).

Club members competed in a second match. Gainesway (Carter Carnegie, Taylor Nackers, Sean Curtain, Ben Lynch) faced Mt. Brilliant (Luis Ansola, Donald Nickou, David Priest).

Prior to the matches, a blind horse, led by a seeing-eye pony, brought the flag into the arena for the national anthem. Later, Seattle Slew jockey Jean Cruguet threw in the first ball. A total of $20,000 was raised from admission and a silent auction, which included jewelry, art, racing memorabilia and equestrian items. Guests enjoyed live music, food and drinks.

Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron.