Jill Medingerspectacular event yet at the National Polo Center. PHOTOS BY Alden Corrigan
The 2023 Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament Presented by Douglas Elliman proved to be the most spectacular Gay Polo League event yet. The annual tournament draws top players and spectators to the National Polo Center, America’s only high goal polo venue, in Wellington, Florida. The GPL was founded to create awareness for LGBTQ athletes and regularly raises money to support diversity and inclusion initiatives for other LGBTQ organizations.
The extravaganza lasts for four days every April, beginning with the traditional VIP reception for sponsors and players on Thursday, this year hosted by Nomad. On Friday, revelers can don their most fabulous wigs and dance the night away at Polotini Wigstock, enjoying special appearances by notable guests. This year’s Polotini raised funds for the onePULSE Foundation.
Saturday’s tournament, held this year on the National Polo Center’s Isla Carroll field, saw a vastly expanded tailgate competition with elaborate installations lining both sides of the field. What2WearWhere sponsored the contest, with judges including Karen Klopp, Ron Neal, and Anthony Corey making the tough choices. The Best in Show award went to an extravagantly pink Barbie-themed display by Tim Minerd, while Emerald Elite Senior Care took the prize for best corporate tailgate. Cheer Miami won best theme, and William Vertucci’s display was named best dressed.
Team Greenberg Traurig (Jesse Lee Eller, Peter Secor, Ryan Cronin, and Juan Diego Rizo Patron) and McKenney Media (Eva Marquad, Aurelian Crochon, David Bouclier, and Constant Jacquot) ended four hotly contested chukkers tied at 5-5, with Greenberg Traurig finally taking home the Senator’s Cup following a shoot-out.
Woodford Reserve (Augustin Arellano, Gus Larossa, Adrian Pia, and Joaquin de la Piedra) took down Cherry Knoll Farm (Tony Natale, Tyler Thompson, Don Bramer, and Lala Laplacette) to take second place in the tournament and win the Founder’s Cup.
The festivities concluded on Sunday with Easter Brunch at the National Polo Center’s Mallet Grill.