Jamie Morrison has lived and breathed polo for more than 35 years, with a résumé stacked with wins like the 22-goal Prince of Wales Trophy, the Eduardo Moore 15-goal, seven Arena Gold Cups, and two European Championship gold medals for England. Yet when asked which victory makes him smile most, he doesn’t hesitate: “Winning the Eddie Moore with my father. That one holds special memories.”
Today, Jamie serves as Chairman of the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club, Steward of the Hurlingham Polo Association, and Chairman of the HPA Arena Committee, but none of it, he insists, feels like work.
“I’m passionate about all of them, so it doesn’t feel like work,” he says.
Jamie's career has taken him around the world, from the famed Palermo fields in Buenos Aires to the lush polo pitches of Campinas, Brazil.
“Playing at Palermo was amazing, but one of my favourite places to play was in Campinas. Beautiful area with lots of stunning polo pitches.”
For all the travel and variety, Jamie admits there’s nothing quite like the rush of playing on grass.
“I love both grass and arena polo, but nothing beats going flat out on the grass in the sunshine. Very lucky to be able to play pretty much most of the year.”
That thrill comes alive every October at the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, where Jamie returns as a fan favorite. Asked what’s really on his mind mid-match, he smiles: “First I’m thinking I want to win, and that this is an awesome place to play. It’s always special to be in front of an appreciative crowd who’s having a great time. What’s not to love!”
Over the years, the sport has brought not just triumphs but also moments of humor. He recalls one match when “it started raining on about half the field. One half was sunshine and the other was bucketing down. Rode from one into the other!”
If he could build a dream team, Jamie would start close to home.
“My dad, Carlos Gracida, and Ginger Baker, who was the drummer in a band called Cream.”
That music connection is no coincidence.
Jamie grew up immersed in the industry; his father famously signed Pink Floyd in their early days. Asked to name a favorite, he says, “I’d say Money from Dark Side of the Moon.”
Though he loved the drums himself, Jamie knew where his true path lay.
“I wasn’t cut out to be a rockstar. Polo player was always going to be the way forward.”
However, music remains a part of his world.
“I was only young when my dad signed George Michael, but having grown up seeing my dad working with him and what he went on to achieve was pretty spectacular. One of the greatest singer-songwriters the UK has ever produced.”
Off the field, Jamie is producing Everyone’s Everest, a veterans-based feature documentary following Sally Orange, a retired Army British Major and mental health campaigner.
“Along with a friend called Marcos and Budhi, a former Queen’s Gurkha orderly, we founded a charity called Friends of Nepal. Through this I became an exec producer on the project.”
Seeing Sally’s story gain attention, including a recent interview with Kelly Clarkson, fills him with pride.
“It’s fantastic. She is an inspiration. She deserves it and is doing it just to raise awareness and money for these amazing charities.”
Still, nothing quite compares to the adrenaline of polo itself.
“They are different kinds of feeling, both very satisfying, but nothing beats the adrenaline of going 35 mph on a horse in a close game when it’s on the line. That is some rush!”
When he isn’t on a horse or working in music, you might catch him on the golf course with friends. Pre-match, his focus is simple: “Make sure all my equipment and horses are ready to go and then just getting in the right mindset. I love that feeling of being nervous before a game when it means something.”
He admits to no lucky charms, but plenty of rituals, like always doubling up on kit.
“Gotta be prepared going out to the polo party!”
As for post-match, nothing beats tradition.
“It’s gotta be a good Argentine asado, proper post-polo dinner!”
Of all the places polo has taken him, the carnival in Brazil ranks high for off-field fun; but right now, he’s looking forward to Scottsdale.
“The event is spectacular, the guests are having a great time, and everyone is super friendly. Scottsdale is a brilliant place to visit, so very much looking forward to it.”
The Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships Returns November 8–9, 2025
The Captain of the Wales Polo Team calls it “the best polo event in the world.”
Whether you’re after luxury, leisure, or somewhere in between, you’ll find your place at America’s most-attended polo event.
This year promises to be a polo experience like never before with beloved traditions like live performances, exotic car displays, and exclusive new additions.
On the green, PVCL’s Nadine Bubeck will join Oscar De las Salas as the emcees for the annual fashion show- always a crowd favorite and one of the most stylish moments of the weekend.
thepoloparty.com
“I wasn’t cut out to be a rockstar. Polo player was always going to be the way forward.”