WKRN News 2 Spotlights Efforts to Preserve Nashville's Historic Iroquois Steeplechase Course
October 2026 | Iroquois Steeplechase in the News
For more than 85 years, the Iroquois Steeplechase has been part of Nashville's history, bringing generations of families, horse racing enthusiasts and community supporters together at Percy Warner Park.
Recently, WKRN News 2 featured the Iroquois Steeplechase as part of its News 2 On Tour series, highlighting the history of our racecourse and the ongoing efforts to preserve this Nashville landmark for future generations.
Built in the late 1930s through the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the course hosted its first Iroquois Steeplechase in 1941. Today, it remains one of the nation's premier steeplechase racing venues and the home of Nashville's Rite of Spring.
Preserving a Piece of Nashville History
During the feature, WKRN reporter Liz DeSantis spoke with Race Chairman Dwight Hall, President Marianne Byrd, Chief Marketing Officer Autumn Eklond and longtime supporter Virginia "Gigi" Lazenby about the course's history, its importance to Nashville and the need for continued preservation.
After decades of use, the historic property requires significant infrastructure improvements, including updates to irrigation, drainage, fencing, grandstands and barns.
Through the Race for the Chase capital campaign, the Volunteer State Horsemen's Foundation is working to raise $3.75 million to protect and maintain the course while preserving its historic character.
A Tradition with a Greater Purpose
Beyond the racing, fashion and traditions that make the Iroquois Steeplechase a signature Nashville event, its charitable mission remains at the heart of everything we do.
Since 1981, the Iroquois Steeplechase has contributed more than $12 million to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.
The WKRN feature also shares the personal connection our team and supporters have to this mission, illustrating why preserving the racecourse means more than maintaining a historic property. It means protecting a tradition that continues to give back to our community.
By supporting Race for the Chase, donors help fund essential course improvements while allowing the event to continue directing proceeds toward its charitable beneficiaries.
Watch the WKRN News 2 Feature
We extend our appreciation to WKRN News 2 and reporter Liz DeSantis for sharing the history of the Iroquois Steeplechase and the importance of preserving this Nashville tradition.
Watch the full WKRN News 2 story
To learn more about the preservation campaign and how you can help, visit our Race for the Chase page.
Join us Saturday, May 8, 2027, for the 86th anniversary of the Iroquois Steeplechase at Percy Warner Park.
Preserving our past. Protecting our future.
