Nashville's Rite of Spring is galloping in via the Iroquois Steeplechase on May 11 at Percy Warner Park. Gates at 2500 Old Hickory Boulevard open at 8 a.m. with an anticipated attendance of approximately 25,000 for a fun day of racing, parties, community and fashion.
Tod Marks, contributing editor to the National Steeplechase Association, writes that the race creates an unprecedented one-two punch for the NSA, with Grade 1 stakes running on consecutive Saturdays. "On May 11, seven days after the Commonwealth Cup, Percy Warner Park in Nashville plays host to the $200,000 Calvin Houghland Iroquois, the centerpiece of the spring calendar. Unlike the Commonwealth Cup, the Iroquois is contested as a weight-for-age event and, at a distance of 3 miles, making it the longest hurdle stakes of the year."
Tod indicates this is the first time the NSA has had back-to-back G1s (Grade 1 as the higher designation among two grades) in the spring.
To increase participation from equine owners and national trainers in this two-state racing extravaganza, Tod shares that Tennessee officials bumped up total purses to $475,000, including two $40,000 Sport of Kings maiden special weights hurdles and a $45,000 handicap for horses rated at 120 or less (up from $35,000 last season). Other card highlights include the $75,000 Green Pastures novice stakes and $50,000 Margaret Currey Henley filly and mare stakes.
“We're hoping for our biggest turnout yet,” says Dwight Hall, chairman of the Iroquois Steeplechase Race Committee and 1977 winner. “Our patrons are eager to enjoy a full day of horse racing, food, fashion and music at the beautiful Percy Warner Park. There really is something for everyone out here, and we encourage everyone to purchase tickets and tailgating packages early, as tickets are limited.”
Iroquois Steeplechase participants are reminded to print parking passes at home and display on dashboards. Guests can enjoy innovative food trucks and full-service bars throughout the grounds for their convenience. Coolers are still allowed but no glass containers, pets, propane grills, pyrotechnics, fireworks, firearms or amplified music. Children 12 and younger are free in the tailgating areas.
Schedule of Race Day:
8 a.m.: RV Tailgating opens.
8:30 a.m.: Inside the track tailgating opens (Topside, Centerfield, Midfield and Railside Tents).
9 a.m.: Stirrup Club tailgating and Family Area tailgating opens.
9:30-11:30 a.m.: Royal 615 Lounge opens for pre-party drinks.
10:30 a.m.: RV and ‘inside the track’ tailgating vehicles must be in place.
11:00 a.m.: Stirrup Club and Family Tailgating vehicles must be in place. Turf Club, Hunt Club and Paddock Club tents open.
Noon: Opening Ceremonies.
1 p.m.: The first race begins.
1:40 p.m.: Race 2 begins.
1:55 p.m.: Stick Horse Race; a time-honored tradition at the Iroquois Steeplechase is watching kids compete in the Michael Stanley Stick Horse Race. Signup is located at the 99.7 WTN Tent in the Family Area.
2:20 p.m.: Race 3 begins.
3 p.m.: Race 4 begins.
3:40 p.m.: Race 5 begins.
3:55 p.m.: Parade of Hounds.
4:20 p.m.: Race 6 begins.
Approximately 5:30 p.m.: Iroquois Society, Paddock Club, Royal 615 and Hunt Club tents close 15 minutes after the final race ends.
Since being designated as one of the Steeplechase-related primary beneficiaries in 1981, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt has received more than $11 million from The Volunteer State Horsemen's Foundation proceeds. In addition, the organization supports other nonprofits and charities, such as Friends of Warner Parks, and the Foundation for the Horse, whose supporters are dedicated to improving horse health and well-being.
As a fully irrigated equine race course meticulously maintained, Percy Warner Park is known for providing perfect racing conditions. Nashville's exciting annual race started in 1941. A range of event ticket options are available, spanning tailgating, VIP areas and private hospitality suites, (boxes currently sold out). For details, visit IroquoisSteeplechase.org.