James Gordon Bennett

James Gordon Bennett saw polo played in England and France and brought back to New York some equipment and a knowledge of the Hurlingham Club rules of play. He gathered an enthusiastic group of horsemen, sent to Texas for suitable ponies and established headquarters at Dickel’s Riding Academy. The Westchester Polo Club was formed on March 6, 1876.

He purchased land, north of the city adjoining the Jerome Race Track, and the first game was played that May on the grass infield of the track itself. His playing career was short but his interest and sponsorship continued until polo was firmly established. The Polo Association, on his death in 1918, paid him tribute as the introducer of the game of polo to the United States.

James Gordon Bennett, Jr with a true polo “pony” circa 1870s