Iroquois Steeplechase Adds Race to Thrilling Lineup, Increasing Total Purse to $575,000
Louis Brown McMillan Memorial Race Honors Steeplechase Legacy, Expands Iconic Sporting Event to Seven Races on Saturday, May 10 at Percy Warner Park
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – May 1, 2025 – The Iroquois Steeplechase, sponsored by Bank of America, is thrilled to announce the addition of a new race to its action-packed 2025 lineup. The Louis Brown McMillan Memorial Race will debut on Saturday, May 10 at Percy Warner Park, bringing the total number of races to seven and increasing the overall purse to $575,000 — the largest purse on the National Steeplechase Association’s spring circuit.
Louis Brown McMillan 1936 – 2014.
This special race pays tribute to long-time volunteer, Louis Brown McMillan, a beloved figure in the Iroquois Steeplechase community. McMillan, who passed away in 2014, first attended the inaugural Iroquois Steeplechase in 1941 as a child and never missed the annual event for the remainder of his life – highlighting his passion and dedication to the race. It was from that early childhood experience that McMillan grew to love the race, eventually participating as an owner, trainer and then race official (1977-2014). His passion for the sport transcended generations as his son, Mark McMillan, became a jockey, owner and trainer as well as his grandson, Nicholas, was also a jockey.
“Some of my favorite memories with my dad involve horses and the Iroquois Steeplechase,” said Mark McMillan, his son. “He was the owner and trainer, I was the jockey. Many of our closest friends have deep ties to this race. We grew up on this track, and returning to Percy Warner Park each year is a highlight for our family.”
Due to increased demand for the maiden race category, organizers are introducing a second maiden division. The Louis Brown McMillan Memorial Race, which will be the third race of the day, is proudly sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Mark McMillan and Mr. and Mrs. Mark H. George in honor of McMillan’s enduring legacy.
“The Iroquois Steeplechase is a meaningful tradition in our family thanks to my father, Louis Brown McMillan,” said Melinda McMillan George, his daughter. “He helped shape the race into what it is today. His love for horses and this event lives on through us, and we are proud to honor him with this memorial race.”
Celebrating its 84th running, the Iroquois Steeplechase remains one of Nashville’s most cherished social and sporting traditions. Known as “Nashville’s Rite of Spring,” the event has raised over $11 million for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and annually draws more than 25,000 spectators.
The gates will open at 8 AM for tailgating and party tents open at 11 AM. The opening ceremonies will start at approximately 12 PM with an exhilarating lineup of seven races throughout the day. The event will conclude with the closing of hospitality tents approximately 15 minutes after the final race around 5:30 PM, with the exception of the Royal 615 After-Party now closing at 7:30 PM on race day.
Limited tickets and packages remain available. For details on tickets, parking, directions, and ride-share information, visitwww.iroquoissteeplechase.org.
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About Iroquois Steeplechase
The Iroquois Steeplechase is a full day of racing at Percy Warner Park in Nashville, TN. The mission of the Iroquois Steeplechase is to manage and produce an annual world-class horse race that benefits Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and other local community non-profits, as well as promote the sport of steeplechasing. To learn more about Steeplechase, visit IroquoisSteeplechase.org.
About Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals, treating and helping to prevent a full range of pediatric health issues from colds and broken bones to complex heart diseases and cancer. In 2024, Monroe Carell was again named among the nation’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” for the 18th consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, the hospital earned the distinction as the No. 1 pediatric hospital in Tennessee and shares first place in the Southeast region for the fourth consecutive year.
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, a nonprofit organization, opened in 2004, expanded its physical space in 2012, and in 2016 began construction to add four new floors encompassing 160,000 total sq. ft. The new expansion helps to advance the size and scope of the hospital’s mission. For more about Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt: ChildrensHospitalVanderbilt.
