The Villages, Florida – Central Florida’s premier polo facility announced today that Gracida International an equestrian development and consulting firm will become part of the management team at the Villages Polo Club. World champion polo player Carlos Gracida and hospitality icon Michael C. Brown are partners in the world wide consulting firm with ventures in China, Brazil, Jordan, and Florida.

Carlos Gracida, the cornerstone of the famous Gracida family polo dynasty, has won more high goal world-wide tournaments than any player in the history of the game. Playing at 10 goals for over 20 years Gracida is a nine time winner of the U.S. Open and a five time winner of the world’s most prestigious tournament, the Argentina Open. He has instructed such polo notables as Prince Charles and his sons Princes Harry and William, King Constantine of Greece, and actor Sylvester Stallone.

Michael Brown’s talents in international business, marketing and promotions, and hospitality management will bring a new prospective to the Villages Polo Club, which celebrated its tenth anniversary last year. In recent years the Villages Polo Club has set attendance records which are unsurpassed in modern American polo. Over 28,000 fans attended matches at the popular club last year. Mr. Brown’s most recent experience as the CEO of the highly successful International Polo Club in Palm Beach, Florida is expected to enhance an already outstanding polo operation.

Gracida International will focus on introducing medium and high goal polo tournaments as well as the potential for other equine disciplines such as Show Jumping, Dressage, and Rodeo in the Villages. For more information on Gracida International visit www.gracidainternational.com.

For additional information, photographs or company logos please contact:
Ron Allen 352-750-POLO
www.thevillagespoloclub.com