On Sunday, January 29, Empire Polo Club located in Indio, California, held a special ceremony and field dedication at the final of the 4-Goal USPA General George S. Patton Jr. tournament.
In honor of Patton’s military accomplishments and to celebrate his love of horses and the sport of polo, Empire Polo Club dedicated and named its main Sunday Polo Field the “The General Patton Field.” A new flagpole and plaque honoring General Patton was unveiled during the ceremony.
“The virtue of polo as a military accomplishment rests on the following: it makes a man think fast while excited; it reduces his natural respect for his own safety, that is – it makes him bold; it teaches restraint under exciting circumstances… nearest to mounted combat; makes riding worthwhile; keeps a man hard and teaches better horse management.” – General George S. Patton Jr.
Sylvester Stallone and Helen Patton, granddaughter of General George S. Patton Jr. and Honorary Chair of the General Patton Museum, were the guest speakers at the ceremony.
Immediately following the ceremony were two featured polo matches. Empire Polo Team defeated Prima Polo 11- 6 in the final of the USPA General George S. Patton Jr. Tournament. Most Valuable Player was awarded to Ignacio del Tour. Best Playing Pony was awarded to Jim Wright’s mare, Chimichurri.