Post Positions Announced for the 85th Running of the Iroquois Steeplechase this Saturday, May 9
Seven-Race Card Features $730,000 in Total Purses, Live Music and Return of Defending Champion ABAAN
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — May 7, 2026 — The Iroquois Steeplechase, sponsored by Bank of America, has officially announced the post positions for the 85th Iroquois Steeplechase taking place Saturday, May 9, at Percy Warner Park.
The nationally renowned Calvin Houghland Iroquois will feature a highly competitive field of steeplechase horses vying for a guaranteed purse of $250,000, part of an overall race day purse totaling $730,000, the largest on the National Steeplechase Association’s spring circuit. The seven-race card continues to attract elite riders, trainers and owners from across the United States and abroad to Nashville each spring.
The post position lineup was provided on this morning during Media Day attended by owners, trainers and media representatives.
ABAAN returns to Percy Warner Park after capturing the 2025 Calvin Houghland Iroquois title, adding another compelling storyline to this year’s featured race.
“This year’s field showcases the continued growth and national prominence of the Iroquois Steeplechase,” said Dwight Hall, Chairman of the Iroquois Steeplechase. “With defending champion ABAAN returning to Percy Warner Park and another outstanding lineup of horses, riders and trainers, we’re looking forward to an exciting day of racing, entertainment and tradition here in Nashville.”
The Calvin Houghland Iroquois serves as the centerpiece of a full day of racing, fashion, live entertainment and philanthropy benefiting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Below are the official post positions for the 2026 Calvin Houghland Iroquois (Race 5, 3 miles over hurdles, $250,000 Guaranteed):
SEE ENTIRE POST POSITION LINEUP FOR ALL RACES HERE
Post positions subject to change prior to race. For updated entries, visit https://nationalsteeplechase.
The winner of the Calvin Houghland Iroquois will receive an invitation to compete in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle at the 2027 Cheltenham Festival in Gloucestershire, England. Featuring a purse of approximately €350,000 ($381,000), the race represents one of the sport’s premier international stages. The invitation includes a travel incentive provided by The Jockey Club (U.K.) in partnership with TVV Capital. No horse has yet claimed victories at both the Cheltenham Festival and the Iroquois Steeplechase, making the opportunity one of the sport’s most elusive achievements.
Race day festivities will include live music throughout the afternoon, highlighted by performances on The Big 98 Stage featuring FILMORE, Highway Home, Lauren Gottshall and Alannah McCready.
Gates open at 8 a.m. for tailgating, with party tents opening at 11 a.m. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for approximately 12 p.m., followed by seven exhilarating races throughout the day. The featured Calvin Houghland Iroquois is scheduled for 3:40 p.m. CDT. Hospitality tents will close approximately 15 minutes following the final race around 5:30 p.m., while The Big 98 Stage and Royal 615 will remain open until 7 p.m.
Limited tickets remain available for tailgating spaces and general admission.
For tickets, parking, directions and ride-share information, visit www.iroquoissteeplechase.org.
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Media Day Photo Gallery
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Photography by Brenda Black
About Iroquois Steeplechase
The Iroquois Steeplechase is a full day of racing at Percy Warner Park in Nashville, Tennessee. 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 nonprofits, while also promoting the sport of steeplechasing. To learn more, 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 2025, Monroe Carell was again named among the nation’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” for the 19th 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 fifth 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 square feet. The expansion helps advance the size and scope of the hospital’s mission. To learn more, visit ChildrensHospitalVanderb
