Their 11–9 victory in the finals stands as the only instance in history of the United States Polo Association that the U.S. Open was won by four brothers.

[2] The second oldest brother on that winning team was Memo’s father, Guillermo Gracida Sr., who had his son riding at 2 and playing tournament polo at 10.

By 1977, Gracida had relocated to San Antonio to play for Stephen M. Gose, sponsor of the powerful Retama polo team, where he would win the U.S. Open in 1977, 1979, 1982, 1984.

Gracida also enjoyed a long and successful career playing for Les Diables Bleus, a team sponsored by fine art dealer Guy Wildenstein.

Gracida’s other wins in the U.S. Open came while playing for Carter Ranch (1985), Aloha (1987), Hanaleia Bay (1992), Gehache (1993), Aspen (1994), Outback Steakhouse (1995, 1996), and Isla Carroll (1997, 2004).

The trophy is awarded annually by the United States Polo Association to the owner of the Best Playing Pony in the U.S. Open Championship.

Over the course of the last two decades, some of the world’s best known team sponsors have participated in La Herradura Classic, including David Andras (Pegasus), Tom Barrack (Piocho Ranch), Ron Bonaguidi (Hanalei Bay), Anthony Embiricos (Tramontana), Tim Gannon (Outback Steakhouse), Joachim and Max Gottschalk (Les Lions), John Goodman (Isla Carroll), John Muse (Lucchese), and George Rawlings (Crab Orchard).