An emotion-filled night permeated the Valentine’s Day-themed 36th annual Polo Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Awards Dinner on Friday, Feb. 14 at the Museum of Polo.
Jorie Butler Kent, an iconic figure in polo, received three standing ovations as she accepted the Iglehart Award for exceptional lifetime contributions to the sport. She delivered heartfelt remarks while flanked by her daughter, Reute Butler, and nephew, Adam Butler.
“This is an honor beyond all honors,” said Jorie, who managed Oak Brook Polo and was instrumental in the success of several other clubs, including Palm Beach Polo, Greenwich and Windsor in Vero Beach.
The newest Polo Hall of Famer was “Smokin” Joe Henderson, who was a 10-goal arena star and reached 8 goals on grass, winning numerous major tournaments.
Jimmy Bachman, who dominated the 1980s and early 1990s, was inducted into the Polo Hall of Fame posthumously. His daughter, Candy Gaines, accepted the award, along with Tony Coppola.
Susan Stovall received the Iglehart Award posthumously, honoring her tremendous achievements on and off the field, mainly on the west coast at Eldorado. Her sister, Gratia Brown, represented Susan, along with family friend Fergus Gould.
Gene Fortugno accepted the Horses to Remember award in the post-Hartman era for Flash, owned by John T. Oxley and played by Dev Milburn in the 1924 Westchester Cup, and Winston Guest in the 1928 Cup of the Americas and the 1930 Westchester Cup.
Beatrice, the equine honoree of the early pre-Hartman era, was owned by Stephen “Laddie” Sanford. A statement from his nephew Pierre Manigault and read by Marty Cregg acknowledged the award.
The event’s success was due to generous dinner sponsors Melissa and Marc Ganzi of the Grand Champions Polo Club and Aspen Valley Polo Club, as well as major sponsors Olexa Celine and the Robert I. Goldman Foundation, U.S. Polo Assn. and Karlene Beal Garber.
Thanks as well to wine and spirits sponsors Robert S. Lipman, Margaret Lipman Orthwein, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Old Hickory Bourbon & Whiskey, Cielo Tequila, Sachetto 071 Prosecco and Lonely Cow New Zealand Wine. Other sponsors include the Iconica Foundation, Martin and Amanda Cregg, and Melinda Brewer.
