Iroquois Steeplechase Announces Race for the Chase Charity Golf Classic and Capital Campaign to Preserve Historic Nashville Landmark
Iroquois Steeplechase course at Percy Warner Park
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — May 20, 2026 — Following the record-breaking 85th Iroquois Steeplechase on May 9, the Volunteer State Horsemen’s Foundation, the nonprofit organization behind one of Nashville’s most beloved traditions, has announced they will host an inaugural Race for the Chase Charity Golf Classic on Monday, Oct. 19, at The Governor’s Club in Brentwood. The tournament is part of the organization’s multi-year capital campaign, Race for the Chase: Preserving the Iroquois Steeplechase Course, dedicated to protecting and enhancing the historic racecourse at Percy Warner Park.
After more than 85 years, the Iroquois Steeplechase course requires critical infrastructure improvements to preserve its historic character and maintain its standing as a premier destination for horse racing and community events. Planned upgrades include modernization of the course’s aging irrigation and drainage systems, restoration and replacement of fencing, repairs and updates to the stables, grandstands and enhancements designed to improve the overall experience for spectators, participants and patrons while preserving the beauty and integrity of the historic property.
The Race for the Chase campaign aims to raise $3.75 million over the next few years to fund these critical improvements to the course. To help launch the fundraising effort, campaign leadership pledged to match the first $130,000 raised, doubling the impact of early contributions.
“The Iroquois Steeplechase has long been a cherished Nashville tradition, but preserving the future of the event requires meaningful investment in the course itself,” said Marianne Byrd, President of Iroquois Steeplechase. “This campaign ensures the racecourse remains a gathering place for our community and continues supporting our nonprofit mission for generations to come.”
Originally constructed in the late 1930s through the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the Iroquois Steeplechase course has served as the backdrop for Nashville’s “Rite of Spring” since 1941. Since 1981, the event has contributed more than $12 million to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, its longtime beneficiary.
The inaugural Race for the Chase Charity Golf Classic will bring together business leaders, community partners and supporters for a day of golf, hospitality and philanthropy benefiting one of Nashville’s most enduring traditions. Community members, businesses and supporters are encouraged to participate through sponsorships, donations or campaign contributions.
“The Charity Golf Classic is a natural way for our community to come together in support of an event and tradition that means so much to Nashville,” said Dwight Hall, Chairman of Iroquois Steeplechase. “This event will help raise much needed funds to preserve the racecourse infrastructure and ensure the Steeplechase continues to thrive for future generations.”
Tournament sponsorship opportunities are currently available, ranging from $3,000 to $25,000. Golf teams will become available Sept. 1 for $2,250, based on availability at that time.
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, donations or the Race for the Chase Charity Golf Classic, visit www.iroquoissteeplechase.org/r
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About Iroquois Steeplechase
The Iroquois Steeplechase is a full day of racing at the Iroquois Steeplechase 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.
