Steeplechase, Nashville’s Grand Tradition, Returns June 26

After having to cancel last year’s race day due to COVID-19, Steeplechase returns this Saturday, June 26 at Percy Warner Park. The race was previously slated to run on May 8, 2021. The event will continue to follow the safety guidelines set by state and local officials in planning the 2021 race meet. 

Iroquois Steeplechase Chairman Dwight Hall said, “The highest priority of The Iroquois Steeplechase, a 501(c)3 organization, is the safety of the patrons and participants. We worked with Metro Parks to secure a date seven weeks later than our scheduled race. Ticketholders will be contacted directly with options for attending this year’s event. The Iroquois Steeplechase is one of Nashville’s most anticipated events and our community is positively impacted by the charities that benefit.” Hall added, “Our team is reorganizing how the event will look to accommodate patrons in a safe manner. Please stay tuned as we will share those details at a later date.”

The Iroquois Steeplechase is an iconic sporting eventthat has been Nashville’s rite of spring since 1941. Traditionally held the second Saturday of each May at Percy Warner Park, the annual event attracts more than 25,000 spectators and is Music City’s celebration of time-honored traditions, Tennessee hospitality and southern fashions.

This year there are a few new additions to race day.

“Taverns on the Turf” is a new addition were Steeplechase will be selling wine and beer. Five (5) Taverns will be located in the centerfield and will serve beer and wine. Two (2) Taverns will be located on the hillside and will be full-service. Patrons are still allowed to bring their own alcohol.  

“We are excited to announce that we will be selling beer and wine on race day at the Taverns on the Turf,” said Dwight Hall, Chairman of the Iroquois Steeplechase. “We are continuing to enhance the experience of our patrons. We know that somegroupswould rather buy alcohol at the event rather than bring their own. The option to bring your own spirits still applies.”

There is also the addition of the Hermes Lounge. Diamond Cellar will be hosting the most exclusive lounge for box holders. At the entrance to the boxes, patrons will walk through a specially designed lounge filled with Hermes inventory with seating, photobooths, and much more.

Lastly, with the recent changes in law to gambling in the state of Tennessee, this year Steeplechase has partnered with Action 24/7 for the “$100,000 Freeplay Pick 7 Challenge.” Choose the winners for all 7 of the races and win $100,000! Sign up to play at https://tnsteeplechase.action247.com/. Smaller contests and prizes will run for each race.

The schedule for Race Day is as follows:

4th Annual Tailgating Contest. Judges from Your Williamson and Your Sumner will visit your tailgate spot on Steeplechase the day before 12:00 PM to “score” your tailgate entry.

Post your Tailgate photos to Facebook and Instagram with #TailgateContest and let people vote all day for their favorite entries!

  • 10:30 AM – RV and ‘inside the track’ tailgating vehicles must be in place.
  • 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Nfocus’ esteemed panel of judges will be roaming the grounds at the event on June 26 and choosing winners in four categories: Most Stylish Female, Most Stylish Male, Most Outrageous Style and Most Stylish Couple. Winners will be announced on the jumbotron between the third and fourth races. In addition to the on-site contest, we’ll be crowning one lucky fashionable winner in our social media contest. Enter by tagging @nfocusmagazine and #SteeplechaseStyle21 in your Steeplechase photos on Instagram. Winners will receive a prize package from our partners: Diamond Cellar, Gus Mayer, Margi’s Chair and Chair Alike, and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Woodmont Realty.

Wear your best hat to Steeplechase and follow Nashville Lifestyles on Facebook or Instagram. Don’t forget to tag @TNSteeplechase. We love seeing your submissions! Contest rules below. Submissions will be accepted from 6:00 am, Saturday, June 26 to midnight, Sunday, June 27, 2021.

  • 11:00 AM – Stirrup Club and Family Tailgating vehicles must be in place. Turf ClubHunt Club, and Paddock Club tents open.
  • 12:00 PM – Opening Ceremonies
  • 1:00 PM – The first race begins. There are 6 races with approximately 40 minutes between each race.

After the Second Race
Stick Horse Race. See below for more information.

  • 3:30 PM – Tailgate winners will be announced during the races! The Grand Prize will include a TOPSIDE TAILGATING SPOT FOR STEEPLECHASE 2022 as well as many other fabulous prizes and giveaways!
  • 4:50 PM – Parade of Hounds
  • Approx. 5:30 PM – The races end with the featured race, the Calvin Houghland Iroquois. Iroquois Society, Paddock Club, Turf Club, and Hunt Club tents close 15 minutes after the final race ends.

Between the new additions and old traditions, this year’s race day is shaping up to be another grand one for the books! Be sure to keep an eye on our socials as we will be covering the event live on race day! @NashMusicGuide

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