On Friday, April 15, Gulfstream Polo Club played its last game in its 93 year history. Custer Capital defeated Rancho Alegre in the finals of the April South Florida 4-Goal League. Omar Cepeda’s second chukker pony “Ash” was named Best Playing Pony and Cepeda was also awarded Most Valuable Player.
Custer Capital
David Sloan (-1)
Bill Custer (-1)
Jesus Ontiveros (2)
Francisco Ayala (3)
Rancho Alegre
Britta Klatte (-1)
Siobhan Gallagher (-1)
Mikey Matz (3)
Omar Cepeda (3)
The game started with a point on the board in favor of Custer Capital for handicap adjustment. Tournament play began with a goal by seasoned professional, Francisco Ayala for Custer Capital, leading the game with a 2-0 spread at the end of the first chukker. It took Rancho Alegre until the second chukker to find their groove, but once they did, they put three quick balls through the uprights–two by Omar Cepeda and one by Mikey Matz. Ayala managed another goal for Custer Capital to end the chukker and the half 3-all.
Second place: Rancho Alegre (Omar Cepeda, Siobhan Gallagher, Mikey Matz and Britta Klatte). Photo: Catherine Zachariadis.
Ayala kicked off the third chukker with a penalty four conversion at the south end of the field. Cepeda quickly answered back with a goal, yet again tying the score. Going into the fourth chukker, and Gulfstream’s last chukker ever played, both teams stepped up their game and played aggressively for the win. Cepeda was first to score for Rancho Alegre but couldn’t keep Custer Capital’s Jose Ontiveros off the ball. Ontiveros scored two quick goals, the last one from a spectacular away shot sent to him by Ayala. The game ended 6-5 in favor of Custer Capital.
Throughout the game, spirits were high as players, staff and polo folks on the sidelines soaked in their final moments on Gulfstream’s beautiful Azqueta field. After 93 years as one of polo’s most preeminent polo clubs and Florida’s oldest polo club, Gulfstream has closed its doors for good. During the awards presentation, the crowd became slightly more despondent, knowing that it was the end of an era.
Long time general manager Marla Connor was presented with a bouquet of long stem flowers and a bottle of champagne by the USPA’s Maggie Mitchell. Kind words were spoken and praise was given for Marla’s reign as polo and facility manager extraordinaire.
MVP: Omar Cepeda.
Photo: Catherine Zachariadis.
Gulfstream would like to thank everyone that came out for its final game. We mourn the loss of a wonderful place and service to the polo community.
Maggie Mitchell of the USPA presented general manager Marla Connor with flowers and champagne. Photo: Catherine Zachariadis.
About Gulfstream Polo Club
Since it’s opening in 1923, Gulfstream Polo Club continues to offer fun & competitive polo in a relaxed atmosphere. Gulfstream, located in beautiful Lake Worth, Florida, is a player’s club. We promise you excellent newly renovated fields, efficient management, and friendly people – the things that have made Gulfstream the place to be for the last 92 seasons!
We are located off of Lake Worth Road, 1/2 mile west of Florida’s Turnpike.
Gulfstream features 7 polo fields, 2 stick & ball fields, and on premises stabling for 540 horses. We also have a tack repair shop, gift shop, and snack bar for your convenience.
Spectators are always welcomed! No Admission Charge. All tournament fields have grandstands. Tailgating is encouraged. Large groups welcomed. Please call for game times. We are interested in meeting your needs and making your experience a happy and memorable one.
