As the warm breeze carried the sound of galloping hooves and excited cheers across Percy Warner Park, Marianne Byrd's heart swelled with pride. She had been involved in the Iroquois Steeplechase for as long as she could remember, but now, as the President of the Race Committee, she felt a sense of responsibility to carry on the legacy of this beloved event.
The Iroquois Steeplechase has been a fixture in Nashville for generations, but its roots lay in the rolling hills of England. Steeplechase racing had begun as a hobby which was an outgrowth of fox hunters and riders, who would race to the church, navigating over, under, or around barriers in the way. The sport had made its way to the United States, where it quickly gained popularity in several states, including Tennessee.
In Nashville, the tradition of steeplechase racing had been born out of a hunting club's desire to recreate the excitement of the Grand National Aintree. In the 1930s, people would bring their picnic baskets and blankets to watch the races, but the Great Depression hit the United States hard, causing many steeplechase racing events to fold.
However, in Nashville, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) offered a project to build a new racecourse, and influential members of the community rode in Percy Warner to take advantage of the opportunity. The WPA racecourse was designed by Henry Dupont, and it gave people in Nashville jobs while preserving Percy Warner Park. The first race was held in 1941, and it continues to this day, with the only exception being World War II and 2020.
For Marianne's family, steeplechase racing had become more than just a pastime. Her grandfather, Albert Menefee Jr, had raced in the Steeplechase in the 1940s and 1950s, winning in 1950. Her grandmother was a longtime supporter of steeplechase racing through volunteer work, even welcoming Princess Anne when she came to race in 1987.
As she walked through the bustling crowd, Marianne felt a sense of pride and gratitude for her family's involvement in the Iroquois Steeplechase. But for her, the event was about more than just tradition. The races were now held to raise money for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt and other organizations, highlighting Nashville's volunteer heritage, beautiful green spaces like Percy Warner Parks, and supporting important charities.
Hannah Dudney shared Marianne's passion for the event. She had attended the Iroquois Steeplechase with her family since she was a small child, watching in awe as her grandfather, Albert Menefee Jr, raced in the 1940s and 1950s, winning the race in 1950. Steeplechase had always been a part of their family legacy, and now, as an adult, Hannah cherished the memories of those childhood outings.
Hannah’s father was inducted into the Steeplechase Hall of Fame in 2019, shortly after his passing.. “Seeing the legacy that my father created and the lives that he had touched throughout his years of life was such a surreal feeling for me,” Dudney shares. Many of Hannah’s aunts and uncles had also volunteered in planning and serving on the race committee.
The Iroquois Steeplechase has evolved over the years, growing in size, quality of horse racing, and philanthropic efforts through partnerships and volunteer work. Today, it is one of the premier steeplechase races in the US, attracting horses from Europe to come and race in Nashville. But despite its growth and success, the event remains rooted in the community and its commitment to supporting important charities, such as the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.
For anyone who has never been to the Iroquois Steeplechase, Marianne and Hannah urge them to come and experience the event. Whether you enjoy tailgating in the infield, socializing in one of the tented areas, or watching from your box, there are so many ways to do steeplechase. But they also offer some advice: stay hydrated and arrive early to avoid fighting for parking.
The Iroquois Steeplechase is more than just a horse race. It's a celebration of family, community, and philanthropy, all while carrying on a beloved tradition.
If you would like to attend or volunteer at Iroquois steeplechase for the 2023 event, please visit iroquoissteeplechase.org. Don't forget to bring your biggest hat!
“Seeing the legacy that my father created and the lives that he had touched throughout his years of life was such a surreal feeling for me."