Newport Polo’s annual Players Dinner on Oct. 26^th at Clarke Cooke House in Newport gave opportunity to celebrate the 2019 polo season and recognize those who contributed to an outstanding year.  

“The awards dinner is an opportunity to express appreciation for the leading figures that make the Polo Series a great tradition,” commented Keating.   

Glasses were raised in appreciation of the 2019 sponsors including Gallo Thomas Insurance, BRAHMIN, Davitt Inc, Turkish Airlines, Boston Common, Gurney's Newport, The Vanderbilt, Hotel Viking, The Chanler, Vanderbilt International Properties, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Clarke Cooke House, Stella Artois, Rockstar Limo, Atria Senior Living, Goslings Rum, Where Boston and McGrath Clambakes, and recognitions were made to the private lodging hosts of several international teams.

Presentations of this year's Sportsmanship Award and Most Improved Player Award were conveyed by previous recipients Lauren Bilsky and Patrick Quigley/Minnie Keating (see past recipients).  Chosen by their peers, the 2019 Most Improved Player award went to Roger Souto, and the 2019 Sportsmanship Award recipient was Hamish Wates.  

Also acknowledged were the 2019 Best Playing Ponies: Arnold Loaned to Chile by D Keating; Jack Loaned to Scotland by D Keating; Persia Loaned to Ireland by M Keating; Talulah Loaned to Italy by M Keating; Snowbird Loaned to South Africa by S Clemens; Sugar Loaned to Jamaica by M Keating; Skyfall Loaned to England by D Keating; and Sospiro Loaned to New Zealand by D Bullis.

Club President Dan Keating conveyed appreciation awards to Polo Manager Dave Markell and Deputy Polo Manager Amy Garrison for their tireless efforts all year long.

A dozen or so Minnie Awards were also given out to cap the evening's memorabilia of the past season before DJ Reggie took center stage with dance floor hits til last call.  See our Facebook fan page for an album of photos from the evening.

2019 Gala Ambassadors Laurel & Rob Howe and Auction Committee Volunteers were applauded for leading the Club to raise a record amount of $35K for the 2019 gala beneficiary Newport Music Festival with expressed gratitude for the generosity of our auction donors and gala attendees this year, without whom the results would not have been so successful.

Named the Polo Series’ Restaurant of the Year for the 9th consecutive year for innovative cuisine and legendary ambiance as the place to see and be seen, the Clarke Cooke House is a quintessential Newport experience and polo players’ entertainment headquarters in downtown Newport (historical details).

Newport International Polo Series XXIV begins on Saturday, June 6, 2020, when USA hosts the season’s first international rival on Opening Day.  Subscribe to our eMagazine for the latest news and announcements, including team lineup, important dates and upcoming events.  Secure, spam free and minimally issued.