LeRoy Neiman (American, 1921-2012)

DEL CARROLL, POLO 

Acrylic on canvas, 26" x 21 1/4" 

Signed, dated '59

Inducted into the Polo Hall of Fame in 2003 with the nickname "Mr. Speed," Del Carroll was one of the greatest offensive players of his era. First rated 8 goals in 1949, he held the distinction for 10 years; he attained a 9-goal rating in the arena. He eventually started training Thoroughbreds for his friends and fellow polo players, culminating with a win in the 1972 Preakness Stakes. Magasin (registered name) was bred for Thoroughbred racing rather than polo and was owned by Michael Phipps until the age of 5. At that point Carroll had shown interest in the horse and Phipps proposed a challenge that Carroll could have the horse if he made a polo pony out of him. Magazin (polo name) immediately took to the sport and won the Hartman Award for Best Playing Pony in 1972. He was elected to the Polo Hall of Fame in 2004.