WELLINGTON, Florida - The new era of high-goal polo at the International Polo Club Palm Beach continued in high style on and off the field at the championship game of the 22-goal Joe Barry Memorial tournament on Sunday (Jan. 18).

A crowd of 1,086 enjoyed a day honoring one of polo's legends. The tournament is named after American polo legend Joe Barry, who died on May 18, 2002 at the age of 58. Born and raised in Texas, he achieved a 9-goal rating and dominated polo in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. Barry won six U.S. Open championships, three Gold Cups, three Silver Cups as well as the 1971 Coronation Cup in England. One of the greatest No. 4s in polo history, Joe Barry was elected to the Polo Hall of Fame in 1999.
His widow, Sharon Barry, who flew in from Texas for the final, and their son, Joe Wayne, presented champagne and trophies to both teams in the post-game ceremonies.

The championship day began with Erin O'Brien leading the parade of polo players to midfield followed by Ariel Hermoso singing the national anthem. Keven Hawkins, who was recently named as one of America's top 25 young designers by House Beautiful in 2003, escorted Sharon Barry to the pre-game coin toss near midfield.

The club's traditional halftime champagne divot stomp continued as eight Southern Belles, who were driven in white horse-drawn carriages to midfield, joined the festivities.

More than 200 guests dined on a delicious brunch catered by The Breakers before heading into the stadium to watch the 22-goal Joe Barry Memorial championship game.
On the field, American 10-goaler Mike Azzaro scored six goals and 9-goaler Carlos Gracida added five goals to lead Catamount over Bendabout 13-10 to capture the first high-goal tournament final at the new International Polo Club Palm Beach.

High-goal polo action continues every Sunday at 3 p.m. The polo game is open to the public with tickets beginning at $10 each. For information, call (561) 204-5687.
International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. From I-95, take the Forest Hill Boulevard exit and go west approximately 12 miles. Turn left onto South Shore Boulevard and go two miles. Turn left onto Pierson Road, travel about one mile and then make a right onto 120th Avenue South. The club is on the right. From Florida's Turnpike, take Exit 93 (Lake Worth Road) and go west about six miles. Make a right onto 120th Avenue South. The club is on the left.

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