An emotion-filled night permeated the “Love the Legacy”-themed 36th annual Polo Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Awards Dinner on Friday night (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 brief remarks overflowing with emotion 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, Florida.
Jorie, along with her father, Paul Butler (1995), became the second father-daughter pair to be enshrined in the Polo Hall of Fame. The first was Tommy Hitchcock Jr. (1990) and Louise Hitchcock Eustis (1995).
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.
Henderson said his father wanted Joe to become a lawyer but when that didn’t work out, he advised his son to “go to America.” So, Joe “just showed up” at the Gulfstream Polo Club office without a job or a place to stay. That didn’t last long, and his extensive career took off as he worked for Carlton Beal, Fred Mannix Sr. and the Rooney family.
Jimmy Bachman, who dominated the 1980s and early 1990s, was inducted into the Polo Hall of Fame posthumously. The 7-goaler had considerable success all levels but was known as “the king of low-goal polo.” His daughter, Candy Gaines, accepted the award, along with Tony Coppola.
“Force of nature” 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. In 1973, Flash earned three Best Playing Awards played by Billy Linfoot, Roy Barry and Corky Linfoot.
Beatrice, the equine honoree of the early pre-Hartman era, was owned by Laddie Sanford 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. A statement from Sandford’s 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, Grand Champions Polo Club and Aspen Valley Polo Club as well as major sponsors Olexa Celine and the Robert I. Goldman Foundation, the U.S. Polo Assn. and Karlene Beal Garber.
Cheers and thank you to Wine and Spirits sponsors Robert S. Lipman, Margaret Lipman Orthwein, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Old Hickory Bourbon & Whiskey, Cielo Tequila, Sachetto 071 Prosecco, Lonely Cow New Zealand Wine, and Saturday Night Red.
Other sponsors include the Iconica Foundation, Martin and Amanda Cregg, and Melinda Brewer.
Special thanks to Alex Pacheco Photography, Krystal Zaskey Photography, and Chukker TV for their hard work and contributions for this event and throughout the year.