Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

There are few bigger events on the calendar in Nashville than the Iroquois Steeplechase.

While events such as the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes take the mainstream appeal, in the local and surrounding areas, there are few more exciting racing dates in the diary than the Iroquois Steeplechase.

It is one of the most historic races on the schedule, with the race still attracting new eyes to the sport annually. You can find out everything you need to know about one of the most beloved races on the schedule here.

Early History

The Iroquois Steeplechase was first staged in the 1930s, with the name of the race being a mark of honor to a horse called Iroquois. The horse was the first American-bred winner of the English Derby, and was retired to stud in Nashville following his dominant career on track.

After his retirement, further success would follow, as he would help produce countless winners of the Kentucky Derby in the United States. Find more information here: https://www.twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/winners/

In the 1930s, an avid group of fox hunting fans set about building a steeplechase course in Nashville, which would attract the interest of jumps horses from across the United States.

Percy Warner Park was later determined to be the perfect location for the race, as terrain changes were perfect for jumps racing. In 1937, the wheels were put in motion for the track, as Pops Frost convinced members of the Works Progress Admission to provide backing to help build a racecourse.

Work finally began on the track in 1938, and it was concluded in the summer of 1941, just in time for the inaugural running of the race.

Inaugural Running

The first ever Iroquois Steeplechase was run in 1941, with Rockmayne taking the victory. Dinwiddie Lampton took the ride on the winner, which was owned by Miss Barbara Bullitt.

It was a hugely successful opening chapter for the race, with the undercard featuring pony races, as well as a Frost Hunter Race. This remains a notable race on the day, as it is named after the person that helped locate the home of the race.

Since the first running of the race, it has been able to develop and move with the times. Some of the biggest changes were completed during the period of Calvin Houghland as the Chair of the Race Committee, as he ensured that there was improved drainage to maintain welfare for all those involved.

Houghland was also a pioneering figure that ensured that the race gave back to the community, as the foundation was set up. In 1991, Henry Hooker took over responsibilities, and led the race into a new era.

It remains one of the most important dates on the Nashville social calendar, with the event regularly attracting over 25,000 fans from across the world.

Race Records

Jack Fisher has been the dominant trainer in the race since its formation, with the trainer claiming seven victories between 1996 and 2022. His most recent success was achieved with Snap Decision.

He is one of a number of horses that have successfully defended the title. However, it has also become a race that has been targeted by European raiders in recent history, with legendary Irish trainer and jockey combination Willie Mullins and Paul Townend claiming victory with Scaramanga in 2023.

Uncle Edwin and Snap Decision are the most successful horses in the history of the race, winning the Iroquois Steeplechase on three occasions. The latter returned 12 months after finishing second to capture the biggest price in jumps racing.

Blythe Miller is the most dominant jockey in the race’s history, as he won four times between 1991 and 2002. Arcadius holds the speed record after winning in a time of 5:36.20 in 2012.

Future

The future of the race looks incredibly bright, as a groundbreaking announcement was made earlier this year. It was announced that the race would be teaming up with The Jockey Club in the United Kingdom to give the winning runner in the race this year a place at the iconic Cheltenham Festival in 2025.

It sees a first-of-its-kind partnership between the two biggest events on different sides of the world. The winner in 2025 will have their shot at history, as they will gain an all-expenses paid entry for the Stayers’ Hurdle next March.

A number of horses have attempted to complete a memorable Iroquois Steeplechase-Cheltenham double throughout history. The first of those came in 1987 after Jonathan Shepard sent Flatterer to the Champion Hurdle.

However, he was unable to make history after finishing second. In 1992, Lonesome Glory made history by becoming the first U.S.-trained winner at Cheltenham. However, the addition of this new partnership means that the 40-year dream remains alive and kicking for trainers that will have runners in the race.

Gamble Responsibly. You must be 21 years old or older to gamble. If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling help is available at 1-800-GAMBLER.