The National Polo Center (NPC) in Wellington, Florida, recently hosted the 2025 High-Goal Horse Awards, honoring the exceptional equine athletes that are integral to the sport of polo. These awards recognize the strength, agility, and partnership of horses that captivate players and fans alike .
Wembley Award: Coquito’s Enduring Legacy
The prestigious Wembley Award, established in 2013 to honor horses demonstrating outstanding performance and longevity in high-goal polo, was awarded to Coquito in 2025. Coquito, a 16-year-old gelding owned and played by Raul “Gringo” Colombres, has been a cornerstone of Colombres’ string for over a decade. His exceptional stamina and power have made him a standout in high-goal polo, earning consecutive Best Playing Pony titles in the Joe Barry Memorial final (2019 and 2020) and the 2019 Ylvisaker Cup final. Coquito’s calm demeanor off the field contrasts with his dynamic performance on it, embodying the best of English family Tomlinson breeding. His partnership with Colombres has been instrumental in elevating Colombres to an 8-goal handicap, contributing significantly to his success in various tournaments, including the Gauntlet of Polo series .
Best String Award: Adolfo Cambiaso’s Exceptional Lineup
The Best String Award for 2025 was presented to legendary 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso of La Dolfina/Tamera. Cambiaso’s extraordinary 14-horse string played a pivotal role in securing his tenth individual titles in both the C.V. Whitney Cup and U.S. Open Polo Championship. Among the standouts, four ponies earned Best Playing Pony honors during this year’s high-goal season—La Dolfina Carola in the C.V. Whitney Cup final and again in Game 15 of the U.S. Open, J5 Arg Auna in the fourth U.S. Open match, and two others in key games. This recognition underscores the meticulous breeding, training, and management that contribute to the success of Cambiaso’s string .
A Testament to Equine Excellence
The 2025 High-Goal Horse Awards at the National Polo Center highlight the invaluable contributions of equine athletes to the sport of polo. By honoring horses like Coquito and recognizing the exemplary string managed by Adolfo Cambiaso, the awards celebrate the dedication, skill, and partnership that define high-goal polo. These accolades not only pay tribute to the horses’ achievements but also inspire continued excellence in the breeding, training, and care of polo ponies.
For more information on the National Polo Center and upcoming events, visit www.nationalpolocenter.com.
