Do you like to watch Polo? If you do, then you’ve probably heard about Carlos Gracida, one of the greatest Mexican-American Polo players of all time.

This incredible Polo player, who was born on September 5, 1960, has won numerous matches.

Further, after playing many royal games, Carlos was famous among the royal family too.

In addition, Carlos began playing when he was only five years old.

If you are interested in reading about this fantastic Polo player, then keep scrolling down.

Quick Facts

Some quick facts about Carlos Gracida are as follows:

Carlos Gracida: Family, Education, and Early Life

One of the best Polo players, Carlos Gracida, had an exciting life.

Family

Born on September 5, 1960, in Mexico City, Mexico, Mexican-American Polo player Carlos Gracida comes from the Gracida polo dynasty.

Further, his father’s name was Guillermo Gracida, who was a Polo player too.

Guillermo, his father, was a nine-goaler in Argentina for Meadowbrook and Palermo, and he still scored five goals at the age of 65.

However, the name of his mother is unavailable.

In addition, Gracida also had one younger brother, whose name is Guillermo Gracida Jr.

Guillermo Gracida Jr. is also a Polo player with notable achievements like his older brother.

Furthermore, Guilermo Gracida Jr. has set several records, including the most U.S. Open titles (16) and the most straight years as an American 10-goaler (6).

Even though Carlos Gracida never married, he did have a love affair with a beautiful woman named Carmen.

Although Carmen’s full name is not known, she was the mother of two of Carlos’s sons Mariano Gracida and Carlos Gracida Jr.

But, they got separated after some time, and then he started dating another gorgeous woman, Monica Sierra.

Further, Carlos lived with Monica Sierra and his two sons Mariano Gracida and Carlos Gracida Jr. in Wellington, Florida, until his demise on February 25, 2014.

In addition to that, he also has a daughter whose name is María-Camila Gracida, who was born four months after his untimely death.

Later, Gracia’s daughter María-Camila also became the subject of a paternity suit.

Early Life 

Because Carlos Gracida came from a family with legendary Polo players like his father Guillermo Gracida, little Carlos learned to play from a very young age.

Further, Gracida was only five years old when he began playing and was only ten years old when he started competing.

Education

Not much information about Carlos’s education is known.

However, Carlos Gracida was a member of Ellerstina and La Espadana, the famed squad owned by Australian businessman Kerry Packer.

Carlos Gracida: Age, Height, and Weight

Gracida was born on September 5, 1960, but, unfortunately, due to a freaky horse accident, Carlos passed away on  February 25, 2014, when he was only 53 years old.

Further, Carlos’s zodiac sign was Virgo. In addition to that, Virgo men are known to be practical, observant, and helpful.

The polo player was 5 feet and 11 inches or 180 cm tall, advantageous to him while winning every game.

Additionally, Gracida was 72 kg or 160 lbs, making him a light person to glide effortlessly while showing his best shots.

You might also be interested in learning more about Rafael Aghayev, who is considered one of the best Karatekas of this generation.

Carlos Gracida: Career

The Starting Point

Carlos started competing when he was only ten years old by following the footsteps of his incredible father, Guillermo Gracida.

Further, Gracida reached ten goals for the first time in 1985 and remained there for the next fifteen years.

Also, he was a member of Ellerstina and La Espadana, the renowned teams owned by Kerry Packer, an Australian billionaire.

Gracida won almost all of Argentina’s tournaments in 1994, including the Hurlingham, Tortuguitas, and Palermo Triple Crowns.

He also won the U.S. Open and the British Open Gold Cup in the same year, making him the only player to win the Grand Slam of Polo in 1987, which he repeated in 1988 and 1994.

You might also like to read about Jennifer Syme, a personal assistant to several rock stars.

Alongside his brother

Only Gracida and his brother, Guillermo Gracida, commonly known as Memo, have won Player of the Year in America five times in their careers.

Also, he has more tournament victories than any other player in the history of the game.

Along with fellow Mexicans Antonio Herrera and his brother Memo, he was one of three foreigners to win the Abierto Argentino de Palermo, considered the most prestigious tournament.

In addition to that, five times in a row, he was triumphant.

Furthermore, he was also the first and only foreigner to win Argentina’s Most Valuable Player Award, the Olimpia de Plata, in 1988.

The polo player was the only player to win the British Open Gold Cup ten times and U.S Open nine times.

For the first time in his career, Gracida scored ten goals in 1985, and he continued to do so for the next fifteen years, including the 2006 season in Palm Beach.

Carlos Gracida: The Royal Family Affair

Gracida was considered H.M. Queen Elizabeth’s favorite player in England, where he was ranked ninth.

Further, H.R.H. Prince Charles and other Princes took lessons from him.

Similarly, he gave private lessons to many celebrities such as Prince Talal of Jordan, James Packer, and Sylvester Stallone.

Carlos Gracida: Favourite Horse

Chesney, Gracida’s most famous horse, won the British Open Gold Cup three times, notably in 1988, 1989, and 1991.

In addition, his personal favorite was Nony Nony, a seven-time Gold Cup winner in England.

Further, he was inducted into the Polo Museum and Hall of Fame in 2012.

Carlos Gracida: Sons and Legacy

Keeping up their Polo dynasty, Carlos’s sons Carlos Gracida Jr. and Mariano Gracido are also involved in polo.

In addition, Mariano Gracida, a four-goaler, plays with Hawaii Polo Life all year.

Further, at the age of 26, he has already won the East Coast Open, Ylvisaker Cup, and Herbie Pennell Cup. 

Carlos Gracida Jr. shares his time between the Altair and Audi polo teams.

Additionally, he devotes his time to the Gracida brand, which includes a wine firm, in addition to caring for the family’s 30 horses, training, and playing polo.

Carlos Gracida: Player of the Year

Gracida was declared Player of the Year for Polo in 2004, 1993, 1989, and 1986.

Additionally, he was decorated with this fantastic title by H.M. Queen Elizabeth.

Carlos Gracida Cup

A cup was established in remembrance of the unbeatable Carlos Gracida, known as the Carlos Gracida Cup.

In order to celebrate his undefeated personality, this Cup came into existence.

Further, this game is organized everywhere as respect and tribute to Gracida.

In addition, this Cup is usually played at the end of March. This Cup is given by the U.S. Polo Association of the United States of America.

Carlos Gracida: Demise

On February 25, 2014, Gracida died due to injuries sustained during a match at the Everglades Polo Club in Wellington. 

According to reports, his horse was injured when a mallet was accidentally struck in the head, causing the animal to jerk and attack Gracida.

Finally, Carlos was taken to Delray Medical Center in critical condition, where he later died.

Carlos Gracida: Citizenship and Paternity Suit

Gracida got a U.S. citizen two months before his death.

Four months after his death, his fiancée Monica Sierra gave birth to their daughter Maria-Camila Gracida-Sierra on May 16, 2014.

Further, she filed a case to receive her daughter’s share in Carlos’s estate.

Carlos Gracida: Achievements

Carlos won both the U.S. Open and the British Open Gold Cup in 1994.

Further, Gracida also has a ten-year winning streak in the British Open Gold Cup.

Carlos Gracida: Net Worth

Mexican-American Polo sensation Carlos Gracida’s net worth ranges from  $1 Million to $8 Million.

Further, his net worth was accumulated from his profession as a Polo player.

However, much information about his monthly or yearly salary is not known.

Consider reading about Erik Per Sullivan, a renowned actor who began his career as a child artist in the United States.

FAQ

How did Carlos Gracida die?

The coach of the future kings of the United Kingdom, Carlos Gracida, died because of a tragic accident.

He was knocked to the ground while playing polo at Everglades Polo Club and died due to his injuries.

A mallet from another player accidentally struck Gracida’s horse in the head.

Then, the horse swung its head and slammed into Gracida, knocking her to the ground.

Sadly, the horse is reported to have fallen on Gracida, and all attempts to improve the condition of the legendary polo player failed.