World-class polo returns to Islands

While kids his age were learning to ride bikes, Mariano “Nano” Gracida was furlongs ahead of his peers as the then-2-year-old was mastering the art of riding horses.

The 24-year-old began learning the nuances that would eventually make him one of the world’s preeminent polo players more than two decades ago while growing up in Wellington, Fla., which is regarded as the mecca for polo training and competition in the United States.

Nano’s late father, Carlos, and uncle, Memo Gracida Jr., are regarded as some of the most dominant and decorated professional players in the sport’s history — the duo combined to win multiple championships and set numerous records.

“Polo means everything to my family,” Nano Gracida said. “For the past four generations, polo was their go-to thing to do. My dad’s side of the family dedicated their life to the sport, and more than the sport, to the horses.”

That dedication to his craft and world-class polo skills will be on display as Gracida participates in The Kahala Hotel & Resort Hawaii Invitational of Polo Presented by Cartier slated for Sept. 16 at Waimanalo Polo Field. The all-pro event is on par with some of the world’s elite competitions, and will feature a 50-goal (25 goals per team) format. Polo is played on a field the size of approximately six soccer fields with teams of four players apiece on horseback who use long-handled mallets to score goals over the course of four to eight seven-minute periods called chukkas or chukkers.

“I love the lifestyle of polo,” said Gracida, who is recognized internationally for his speed and smooth style of play. “The lifestyle is very unique because it’s such a small community that everyone knows each other in the sport. Everywhere you travel, you get to make memories with them. I really enjoy having friendly connections everywhere.”

At age 15, Gracida started playing polo competitively and quickly shot up the sport’s ranks. He soon got the opportunity to play alongside his father in the Mexican Open and the pair was victorious.

“We won every single chukker, and it was one of those days where nothing went wrong,” Gracida recalled. “And, that was one of the most memorable wins in my career because I won it with my father.”

Shortly after that victory, however, tragedy struck, as Carlos Gracida died after falling from his horse during a polo match in 2014. Nano Gracida soldiered on and relies on the knowledge and inspiration gleaned from his father’s teachings.

“My goal is to be the best I can every day and then improve every day. My dad taught me that everything adds up, and the more time I put into it, and the more hard work I do, the better results,” Gracida said. “You go for perfection, but perfection comes in the long run.”

Gracida and his older brother Carlos “Carlitos” Gracida Jr. continue the family’s penchant for success on the polo field, while also perpetuating the Gracida passion for horses. Nano Gracida first visited Hawaii last year, and spent some time with professional surfer Jamie Mitchell, who provided a surfing lesson on Oahu’s famed North Shore. Gracida then treated the surfer to a polo lesson while enjoying the “good vibes,” weather and culture that the 50th state has to offer.

“This year, it’s going to be a higher level of polo, a lot more exciting to watch, and I think it’s great that we’re bringing the (experience to Hawaii),” Gracida said. “To be part of it is a huge honor. I hope to get to know Hawaii a little more. I would like to get to know more about the people and its culture.”