Copa de Careyes finalizes 2008 Season
Players from all over the World including Italy, England, Mexico, Germany , Argentina and the USA completed their 2008 polo season at the beautiful 5¨star resort ¨Costa Careyes on the Pacific Ocean in Mexico. Four teams, rated 9 – 11 goals, competed for the coveted Copa de Careyes on picture perfect fields and weather.
Carlos Gracida brought his two sons, Mariano and Carlito, along with Lyndon Lea, Team Zarcara to enjoy the beautiful club. Other teams included Casa Sombres with Bolko Kissling, Guillermo Li, Pancho Aguilar and Jorge Garciarce, home team Careyes – Giorgio Brignone, founder of the Costa Careyes Polo Club and Resort, Valero Aguilar, Diego Gonzalez Diaz and Raul Ramirez and¨ Charros Negros included¨Luis Olazabal, Hugo Villalobos, Rogelio Igartua, president of the Polo Association de Mexico and Stanislao Ramos.
The finals pitted Zacara against Casa Sombres after all team played each as the tournament went over 2 weeks. Carlos Gracida was at his best with help from his two sons and Lynden Lea. Gracida had trailored in 20 plus head of horses from their Mexico base and they were ready to play, however, so was the Casa Sombres team and they were rated one goal higher in handicap. Playing five chukkers of fast action in front a local crowd Gracida Sr., Pancho Aguilar and Guillermo Li had the spectators on their feet watching these fine players show their expertise.
From the first throw in Carlos Sr. took control of his team and scored the first goal for Zacara with in seconds but Aguilar answered within minutes. The score went back and forth and was tied at halftime after the third chukker and the fourth chukker also ended in a tie but Gracida-Lea combination seemed to click and made 3 quick goals to end the game at 10-7.
Champagne and silver for all players including souvenir silver for many visitors who had played chukkers at Costa Careyes for the first time. Highlights for the remainder of Costa Careyes season include a weekend tournament celebrating the Chinese New Year, year of the Bull, in February practice games 4 days a week with international rated players . Rege Ludwig will be hosting a clinic during Easter, April 11-19th, following the famous Agua Alta Cup, 8 -10 goals. SURPRISE FOR 2009 – Susan Stovall will be joining the management team during the high season – February to April. For more information see www.careyes.com