Remarkable Horses Lead the Way at the 85th Iroquois Steeplechase
Zabeel Champion wins at the 85th Iroquois Steeplechase on May 9, 2026
Photo Credit: Terry Wyatt Photography
The 85th Iroquois Steeplechase returned to Percy Warner Park in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday, May 9th, with record crowds, elite horses, and one of the strongest race cards in recent National Steeplechase Association history. More than 35,000 fans packed the rolling hills of Percy Warner Park for a day that blended Southern tradition with world-class jump racing. Organizers offered a record $730,000 in purses, drawing powerhouse trainers, veteran owners, and rising horses from across the United States and Europe.
Before the first race began, Ted Thompson of St. Rita Racing reflected on the responsibility of preparing the historic course. Thompson, a former jockey who now serves as Clerk of the Course, oversees race-day track conditions and safety. When asked what he was looking forward to the most at this years’ race, he answered, “A good, safe race,” Thompson said before the event. “That’s really one of the main concerns for us, is making sure that we have the best possible conditions and safest conditions for the horses.” Thompson explained how the course crew carefully managed the turf throughout the week. “We have a really good irrigation system,” he said. “We hand dial it in to get the compaction rates the way we want it.”
Boldog and jockey E. Dwan win 1st race
Boldog Opens the 85th Iroquois Steeplechase with a Commanding Victory
The opening race, The Bright Hour Handicap Hurdle, immediately rewarded the careful preparation behind the 85th Iroquois Steeplechase. Boldog (FR), owned by Butler Hall Racing and trained by Thomas Garner, powered through the two-and-three-quarter-mile course for a commanding five-length victory under rider E. Dwan. The veteran hurdler handled the demanding national fences with confidence. He never looked uncomfortable over the rain-softened turf at Percy Warner Park. King of Tsavo (GB) finished second for trainer Leslie Young, while Scoop the Pot secured third after a determined late run.
Boldog’s performance gave the afternoon an early spark. It reminded fans why seasoned steeplechase horses earn such loyal followings. The French-bred gelding moved with calm precision across the rolling Nashville course. He responded smoothly at every fence while others struggled to maintain rhythm. As the field turned for home, Boldog separated himself from the pack. He powered toward the finish line with authority. The crowd gathered along the hillside rails reacted with energy.
The opening race also showcased the heart of the steeplechase community. Trainers, owners, and riders leaned quietly against the rail watching every jump. Many knew these horses by personality as much as pedigree. Conversations in the paddock centered less on betting and more on preparation and recovery. They also focused on the horses themselves. Nashville’s crowd roared loudly for every clean leap over the fences. The opening race set the tone for an emotional afternoon. Every horse carried a story into the starting line.
Famous Figure and jockey J. Kennedy win 2nd race
Famous Figure Dominates the Louis Brown McMillan Memorial Maiden Hurdle
The second race delivered one of the day’s most dominant performances as Famous Figure stormed to victory in The Louis Brown McMillan Memorial Maiden Hurdle Sweepstakes. Owned by Leamington Racing and trained by legendary Irish conditioner Gordon Elliott, the talented hurdler surged clear late and won by 6 1/4 lengths under jockey J. Kennedy. The impressive effort immediately elevated Famous Figure into one of the National Steeplechase Association’s rising names.
The race also carried hometown significance for Leipers Fork Steeplechasers founders Mark George and Mark McMillan. McMillan entered the weekend with 11 horses across the race card and spoke proudly about representing Franklin, Tennessee, at the Iroquois. “This is our hometown course,” McMillan said before the races. “We’re born and raised in Franklin, and the Iroquois Steeplechase is a very important race for us and our family.” He added, “We pretty much planned the year to be here.”
Loose Wire, one of McMillan’s highly anticipated runners, competed in the maiden hurdle after weeks of strong preparation. “He’s exciting,” McMillan said before the race. “He’s big, he feels good, and our trainer feels very confident.” Loose Wire ultimately finished seventh, but McMillan’s enthusiasm reflected the optimism shared throughout the backside. For many owners, simply reaching the Iroquois represented months of preparation, travel, and patience.
McMillan also reflected on the scale of his stable and the deep connection owners carry into each race. “We have a horse in every race,” he said. “Some of the races, we have two horses in each.” He paused while watching horses peek their heads out of stables nearby and smiled. “I feel fortunate to be here for the 85th running of the Iroquois,” he said. “It’s exciting to not only be a spectator, but actually have a horse in the race.”
Coutach and his owner Gigi Lazenby before the race
Coutach and jockey J. Coen win 3rd race
Coutach Delivers a Breakthrough Victory in the Green Pastures Novice Stakes
The third race produced one of the afternoon’s most heartfelt victories when Coutach (GB) captured The Green Pastures Sport of Kings Novice Hurdle Stakes for Del Rio Chasers. Trained by respected horseman Ricky Hendriks and ridden by J. Coen, the British-bred hurdler battled through a tense stretch duel and prevailed by a neck over Rampoldi Plan. The victory earned a $75,000 purse and established Coutach as one of the meet’s breakout stars.
Del Rio Chasers owner Gigi Lazenby arrived in Nashville carrying both excitement and affection for the horse. Lazenby has become one of Steeplechasing’s most recognizable supporters, bringing energy and personality to every paddock she enters. Before the race, she shared the remarkable story of how she acquired Coutach after watching him win at Far Hills. “Coutach came from Ireland,” Lazenby said. “He came over here and won a race at Far Hills, and I bought him after that race.”
She laughed while recalling one unforgettable moment from a previous race in Aiken. “There’s nothing like thinking your horse is pulled up,” she said. “And then the next thing you know, he’s winning.” Lazenby described confusion caused by borrowed jockey silks matching another horse on the course. “The announcer said Coutach was pulling up,” she remembered. “Then all of a sudden, here comes Coutach around the corner and he wins.”
The victory at Percy Warner Park felt deeply personal for Del Rio Chasers and trainer Ricky Hendriks, one of the most respected figures in American steeplechasing. Hendriks, a former jockey and father of fan-favorite rider Parker Hendriks, reflected on his decades in the sport before the race. “Oh, forever,” Hendriks said with a grin. “I was a jockey when I turned 16, and I’ve been training since I was 26.” He described Coutach simply and affectionately: “He’s a lovely horse.”
Coutach rewarded that faith with a fearless performance over the national fences. The horse surged late under pressure and showed the composure of a seasoned veteran despite his relative inexperience. Fans lining the rails erupted as the dark-coated hurdler edged clear near the wire, giving Del Rio Chasers one of the afternoon’s defining moments.
Rocket One and jockey J. Bargary win 4th race
Photo Credit: Terry Wyatt Photography
Rocket One Continues Jack Fisher’s Dominant Afternoon
Jack Fisher’s powerhouse stable added another major victory in The Marcellus Frost Sport of Kings Novice Hurdle Stakes when Rocket One surged home for a half-length victory over Mr Percy (IRE). Ridden by J. Bargary for Riverdee Stable, Rocket One delivered a polished effort over two and one-quarter miles and strengthened Fisher’s grip on the novice hurdle division.
The race featured another strong showing from Leipers Fork Steeplechasers, with Walk the Warrior (IRE) finishing fifth and Salted Carmel competing gamely before the demanding course took its toll. The novice division highlighted how competitive the 2026 Iroquois field became, with nearly every race featuring nationally recognized owners and trainers.
McMillan watched the novice races carefully throughout the afternoon, knowing the future of many stables often develops in these divisions before horses graduate into Grade 1 company. “This is the most competitive race meet of the spring season,” McMillan said before racing began. “We save our best for the best one.” His comments reflected the growing national importance of the Iroquois within American Steeplechasing.
Ted Thompson’s work behind the scenes also continued receiving praise as the afternoon progressed. Riders consistently complimented the footing, while trainers praised the condition of the turf after days of uncertain weather. Thompson credited careful preparation and cooperation from race officials. “The rain we had yesterday and the weather we’re going to have for the weekend should be pretty awesome,” he said before the first race. By mid-afternoon, the course had delivered exactly the kind of safe, competitive racing he hoped for.
Zabeel Champion and jockey F. Procter win 5th race
Photo Credit: Nick Tavares NTP Photography
Zabeel Champion Wins a Dramatic Calvin Houghland Iroquois Stakes
The featured Calvin Houghland Iroquois Stakes delivered the most memorable centerpiece of the afternoon. Zabeel Champion (GB), trained by Jack Fisher and owned by Riverdee Stable, captured the Grade 1 hurdle stakes after an unforgettable stretch duel with Swore. Rider Freddie Procter timed the closing move perfectly over three demanding miles, guiding Zabeel Champion to a narrow neck victory before a roaring Nashville crowd.
The featured race brought together one of the deepest hurdle fields assembled this season. Swore, owned by Stone Farm and trained by Keri Brion, entered the race carrying major expectations after strong preparations in Nashville. Patrick Lewis of Upland Flats spoke confidently about the horse before the race. “Swore should be the second favorite, probably in the big race,” Lewis said.
Lewis also described the horse’s calm preparation leading into the Grade 1 showdown. “Swore worked out here last night,” he said. “He was one of the first batch.” Lewis explained how horses arrived throughout the week to settle into Percy Warner Park before race day. “Some start coming in late Wednesday into early Thursday,” he said. “Some even come in Friday morning, but they all have to be here 24 hours.”
The horse’s unusual name also became part of the weekend conversation. Lewis laughed while explaining the possible inspiration behind it. “I believe he’s a Broken Vow,” he said. “Maybe there’s some play on, ‘I swore I was going to do something and then broke a vow.’ But the farm named him.”
Swore backed up the praise with a courageous runner-up finish, staying within striking distance throughout the race before Zabeel Champion found another gear late. Fil Dor (FR), representing Del Rio Chasers and trainer Ricky Hendriks, finished fourth against elite competition. Before the race, Gigi Lazenby described Fil Dor affectionately as “a big, strong gray horse.” She added, “There are a lot of really good horses in that race. Hope to give everybody a nice go for it.”
Hendriks knew the challenge awaiting his horse. “The big race will be very exciting,” he said before post time. “Very, very tough competition, and I’m looking forward to it.” Fil Dor responded with determination and heart, battling against some of the best hurdlers in North America from the opening flagfall through the final fence.
Blue Waters in the stable before the race
Blue Waters and jockey J. Kennedy win 6th race
Blue Waters Arrives from Ireland and Wins the Margaret Curry Henley Stakes
The sixth race delivered another memorable Del Rio Chasers’ victory when Blue Waters (IRE) captured The Margaret Curry Henley Sport of Kings Filly and Mare Stakes. Trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by J. Kennedy, the Irish-bred mare controlled the pace and crossed the wire 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Timetoshine (FR).
Blue Waters carried one of the weekend’s most compelling stories into the race. Gigi Lazenby explained that the mare had only recently arrived from Ireland before making her American debut. “Blue Waters just arrived Tuesday morning,” Lazenby said before the race. “She came to Chicago.” Despite the quick turnaround, Lazenby believed the mare belonged on the big stage. “She looks to be one of the favorites,” she said.
Lazenby also acknowledged the challenge awaiting the filly against proven rivals like Gold Charm (IRE), who finished fourth after entering as one of the race’s most accomplished mares. “She’s got competition,” Lazenby admitted with a smile. “But she looks pretty good.” Blue Waters validated that confidence with a composed and professional stakes performance.
The victory highlighted Del Rio Chasers’ remarkable afternoon in Nashville. Between Coutach, Fil Dor, and Blue Waters, the stable became one of the defining stories of the 85th Iroquois Steeplechase. Fans gathered around the winner’s circle after Blue Waters crossed the line, applauding both the horse’s talent and the emotional investment owners carried into the sport.
Step Out and jockey G. Watters win 7th race
Step Out Closes the 85th Iroquois with a Timber Victory
The day concluded with The Mason Houghland Memorial Allowance Timber race, where Step Out (IRE) delivered a head victory over Potus for owner Runnymoore Racing and trainer Neil Morris. Rider G. Watters guided the Irish-bred timber specialist through three demanding miles, holding off a determined late challenge from Riverdee Stable’s Potus.
The final race also featured another strong hometown storyline through Leipers Fork Steeplechasers and owner Mark McMillan. For The Parish (IRE), ridden by Freddie Procter and trained by Leslie Young, entered the race after winning both previous starts earlier this season. McMillan believed strongly in the horse before the race. “He’s probably one of the most competitive in that race,” McMillan said.
Although For The Parish finished fourth, the horse battled faithfully through the demanding timber course and never stopped trying. Before the races, McMillan said his team “would feel very fortunate if we can go home with at least one win, but we are happy just to be here” a reflection of the gratitude and realism many owners carry into a competitive day at the Iroquois Steeplechase.
The 85th Iroquois Steeplechase Ends with Heartfelt Moments Beyond the Finish Line
As the sun began to drop behind Percy Warner Park, the 85th Iroquois Steeplechase closed with exhausted horses cooling off near the stables, owners embracing trainers, and fans lingering beside the rail long after the final finish. Nashville once again proved why the Iroquois remains one of the most beloved stops on the National Steeplechase Association calendar. The race meet delivered elite competition, emotional victories, unforgettable horses, and the kind of heartfelt stories that continue making steeplechase racing one of America’s most passionate sporting traditions. For more race day action shots, check out our photo gallery below.
Race Day Photo Gallery from the 85th Iroquois Steeplechase in Nashville, TN
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