Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney

A man who lived his life with a fullness that most can only dream of, Cornelius V. “Sonny” Whitney left a lasting mark in polo. Although immersed in business and philanthropy, he rose to a 6-goal handicap during his playing career that spanned the “Golden Era” of polo. Whitney was a formidable factor in all the major tournaments, winning the U.S. Open three times and the Monty Waterbury Cup as well. He carried on the polo legacy of his father, Hall of Famer and member of the famed Big Four, Harry Payne Whitney. After his playing days, Whitney raised outstanding racehorses, with 15 that competed in the Kentucky Derby. In 1979, the C.V. Whitney Cup was established in his name and is still played today as part of the USPA’s Gauntlet of Polo series.