Steeplechase
With prerace shopping, parties and race day treats, including six of Nashville’s most popular food trucks, a Mix 92.9 stick horse race, VIP comfort stations, Mall of Green Hills and Music City Biplane giveaways, the 71st running of the Iroquois Steeplechase taking place May 12 is shaping up to be the best yet.
“Last year set the bar high for the 70th anniversary of the Iroquois Steeplechase, but we’ve managed to make this year even better, with lots of the prerace events, added comfort stations, food trucks and giveaways,” said Libby Cheek, executive director of the Iroquois Steeplechase. “The Iroquois has grown beyond race day into a multi-day event.”
Racegoers can attend steeplechase in style by shopping at Dress for Steeplechase Day tomorrow, April 27—a one-day shopping event hosted by Green Hills stores Gus Mayer, Private Edition, Omega, The Perfect Pair and The Mall at Green Hills. Vineyard vines will also host an in-store shopping event May 3, followed by the grand opening week of Nashville’s newest high-end eyewear retailer, Barton Perreira, beginning May 10. At all three events, stores will donate 10 percent of proceeds to the Iroquois Steeplechase and its beneficiary, the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
For those looking to start steeplechase celebrations before Saturday, May 12, Peoplechase and the Jockey Club Party are must-attend events. Taking place Thursday, May 10 at Houston Station near downtown Nashville, Peoplechase will be a night of dancing, singing and mingling with fellow steeplechasers to the tunes of Nashville’s most popular ‘80s cover band, Guilty Pleasures. To celebrate the night before race day, the Jockey Club Party on Friday, May 11 at the Steeplechase grounds in Percy Warner Park features live performances by hit musical talents Brett James and Jonathan Singleton, a jockey auction and auction of the 2012 official Iroquois painting, ‘Flight’ by Rachael McCampbell.
On race day, steeplechasers will notice some new additions including:
● More VIP Comfort Stations – More climate-controlled facilities with flush toilets, running water and full-length mirrors for midday appearance adjustments will be added throughout the grounds this year. VIP Station wristbands are being sold for $15 in advance (online at www.iroquoissteeplechase.org) and $20, cash only, on race day. Wristbands are limited.
● Six Food Trucks – The Grilled Cheeserie, Rollin & Smokin, Begley’s Dogs, Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream, Wrappers Delight, Sno-Ball Heaven, Thai Guys and KSEM Events will be rolling into Steeplechase to serve racegoers throughout the day. Food trucks and non-alcoholic drink carts will be located in the Stretch for anyone interested in a quick lunch or mid-day snack.
● $500 Giveaway – The Mall at Green Hills is giving steeplechasers a chance to win a $500 gift certificate on race day. Guests can register for a chance to win at The Mall at Green Hills booth, located in Centerfield near the information and boutique tents.
● XTS Extravagant Day – Andrews Cadillac is sponsoring the XTS Extravagant Day, a drawing for one lucky couple to see both the Steeplechase and the Nashville Symphony Concert at Carnegie Hall that night — thanks to the services of a private LearJet from Corporate Flight Management.
● Free Flight Giveaway – After the fifth race on May 12, Music City Biplane Tours will announce the winner of a free flight. To enter to win, steeplechasers should Tweet “#MusicCityBiplane @TNSteeplechase” after Music City Biplane’s flight over the grounds at approximately 12:30 p.m. before the first race of the day.
● Mix 92.9 Stick Horse Race – Horses aren’t the only ones racing at steeplechase. Mix 92.9 will sponsor a stick horse race for children ages three to 10 before the first race of the day. Parents can get more information and sign up their ‘jockey’ online at the www.Mix929.com.
For more information about what’s new with Steeplechase, contact Libby Cheek at 615-591-2991 or visit the Iroquois Steeplechase website at www.iroquoissteeplechase.org.
About the Iroquois Steeplechase
Held on the second Saturday of every May at Nashville’s Percy Warner Park, the Iroquois Steeplechase is the premier spring race in American steeplechasing and Music City’s traditional rite of spring – typically attracting more than 25,000 spectators. Since being designated in 1981 as the official charity of the Iroquois Steeplechase, the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has received more than $9 million from the event proceeds. For information on advance ticket purchases, corporate and hospitality tents, and tailgating and RV spaces, visit www.iroquoissteeplechase.org or call (615) 591-2991.
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, a freestanding hospital dedicated to serving only children, is nationally recognized as a leading provider of pediatric health care services. Experts treat and work to prevent all health issues ranging from common childhood conditions to serious, advanced diseases. Featuring Centers of Excellence for the treatment of diabetes and congenital heart disorders, Children’s Hospital also operates the region’s only level 1 pediatric trauma unit and a neonatal intensive care unit with the highest designated level of care. In addition, Children’s Hospital is a top-level teaching and research facility. No child is denied care on basis of limited ability to pay.
