Dennis Quaid gets some polo going to honor Will Rogers

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Dennis Quaid got the ball rolling — literally — on the 75th anniversary of Will Rogers’ death, which was commemorated Sunday at the inaugural ‘Dog Iron’ Polo Cup at Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades.

It was Quaid’s honor, as a celebrity co-chairman of the event, to handle the ‘throw-in’ of the game ball before the day’s pair of polo matches. (He’s also among those who ride regularly at the park.)

The legendary Rogers used the ‘Dog Iron’ brand for of his livestock and ranch activities in California, event organizers said, and pals like Clark Gable, Walt Disney and Spencer Tracy were among those who’d used the historic polo field at his ranch house.

The tribute weekend, presented by the nonprofit Will Rogers Ranch Foundation, featured ...

... a Condor Squadron flyover of World War II-era jets on Sunday afternoon as well and was kicked off Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of a new visitors center at the park. Proceeds from the $100-per-ticket brunch ‘will help ensure that the scenic trails, the tours of Will’s historic home, and the equestrian atmosphere will continue to entertain and serve the public as they have for the last 66 years,” said Rogers great-granddaughter Jennifer Rogers-Etcheverry.

Diane Keaton was the other honorary co-chair.

— Christie D’Zurilla

Photos: Honorary co-chair actor Dennis Quaid practices, top, before tossing in the game ball during the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation’s Dog Iron Polo Match & Champagne Brunch on Aug. 15 in Pacific Palisades and takes time with a young fan — a fan of horses, it seems. Credits: Ryan Miller / Capture Imaging

Check out the Ministry’s coverage of other charitable events.