HONORARY CHAIR, CHILD AMBASSADOR AND ARTWORK
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
IROQUOIS STEEPLECHASE ANNOUNCES HONORARY CHAIR, CHILD AMBASSADOR AND 2026 OFFICIAL ARTWORK
Nashville’s Iconic Sporting Event Benefiting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is Set for Saturday, May 9, at Percy Warner Park
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – April 10, 2026 – The Iroquois Steeplechase, sponsored by Bank of America, has named its Honorary Chair, Child Ambassador and Official Artwork for the 85th anniversary race set for Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Percy Warner Park.
Nashville’s iconic sporting event has partnered with Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt since 1981, raising more than $11.4 million to support pediatric care, research and lifesaving programs for children and families across the region.
Margaret “Meg” G. Rush, MD, MMHC, retired President of Monroe Carell, will serve as Honorary Chair.Judge Colvin, a former patient, has been named the 2026 Child Ambassador. The organization also unveiled the official artwork for this year’s race, created by Nashville artist Courtney Robers.
“The Iroquois Steeplechase has always been about more than horse racing,” said Dwight Hall, Race Chairman of the Iroquois Steeplechase. “It’s about bringing our community together to support the children and families cared for at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Margaret ‘Meg’ G. Rush devoted her career to advancing care for children, and Judge’s inspiring recovery reminds us why this partnership matters.”
Dr. Rush recently retired after more than four decades of service at Vanderbilt Health, including five years as President of Monroe Carell. A respected neonatologist and healthcare leader, she joined Vanderbilt as a pediatric resident in 1984, completed fellowship training in neonatology and later served in several leadership roles, including director of the Neonatal Fellowship Program and chief of staff for the children’s hospital. Her work has advanced research, education and clinical care while improving health outcomes for children. Her leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Nashville Business Journal’s Women of Influence Award and the Junior League of Nashville’s Paragon Award for Outstanding Community Service.
Each year, the Iroquois Steeplechase selects a Child Ambassador to represent the strength and resilience of young patients at Monroe Carell. In 2026, that role belongs to Judge Colvin.
In 2020, when Judge was just three years old, a 75-foot oak tree fell on him and his father during a storm, leaving both critically injured. Judge was rushed to Monroe Carell in a coma with a traumatic brain injury. His father was treated at Vanderbilt University Heath with multiple injuries, including a broken back. When Judge woke from his coma, doctors determined he would need inpatient pediatric rehabilitation. Because those services were not available in Tennessee at the time, the family temporarily relocated to Atlanta for specialized care.
Now nine years old, Judge is thriving. He enjoys swimming, video games and recently appeared in singer-songwriter Noah Kahan’s music video for the song “The Great Divide.”
He and his family are passionate about giving back and have established a nonprofit, the Out of the Woods Foundation, to help more children like Judge.
“Judge’s recovery has been remarkable, and we want every child to have that same chance,” said his mother, Shelly Colvin. “Our Out of the Woods Fund is committed to supporting inpatient rehabilitation so more families can receive the care they need close to home.”
Judge and his family will attend the race and participate in opening ceremonies, representing the children and families whose lives are touched by Monroe Carell.
In addition, the Iroquois Steeplechase announced that the Official Artwork for the race was created by Courtney Robers. Attendees can purchase a T-shirt or poster featuring the commemorative artwork on race day.
Born and raised in Nashville, Robers grew up riding horses and spent much of her childhood dedicated to the sport. She also developed a love for art at a young age and has been painting ever since. She earned her bachelor’s degree in fine art from Belmont University, where she majored in oil painting. She now lives and works in Nashville as a full-time mother and painter with her husband, three daughters and dog.
Robers is inspired by Tennessee’s rich history, often painting intimate scenes rooted in local landscapes. Working in oil and acrylic from her home studio, she remains closely connected to the equestrian world.
Limited tickets remain available for the 2026 Iroquois Steeplechase, including access to the Magnolia Garden, a newly reimagined, all-inclusive hospitality experience featuring a hillside setting, gourmet catering, full beverage service, guaranteed seating and trackside views. Additional ticket options include the Royal 615 Lounge, considered Nashville’s “hottest party” at the races, and select tailgating experiences.
Gates open at 8 a.m., with opening ceremonies beginning at noon and live music on The Big 98 Stage from 2 to 7 p.m. In addition to racing and live music, the day will feature fan-favorite traditions including the Style Contest, Tailgating Contest, Stick Pony Races and the Parade of Hounds.
Often referred to as Nashville’s “Rite of Spring,” the Iroquois Steeplechase is one of the South’s longest-running traditions, drawing thousands each year for a day of racing, fashion, tailgating and live entertainment set against the rolling hills of Percy Warner Park.
For additional race details, a full schedule and ticket information, visitwww.IroquoisSteeplechase.org.
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L-R: Heather Vincent (Bank of America), Dr. Meg Rush (Honorary Chair), Judge Colvin (Child Ambassador), Dr. Juan Salazar (Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and pediatrician-in-chief for Monroe Carell), Dwight Hall (Iroquois Steeplechase Chairman) and Courtney Robers (Artist) at the
Iroquois Steeplechase Kickoff Party on April 9, 2026.
About Iroquois Steeplechase
The Iroquois Steeplechase is a full day of racing at Percy Warner Park 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 nonprofits, as well as promote the sport of steeplechasing. To learn more about Steeplechase, visit IroquoisSteeplechase.org.
About Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt is one of the nation's leading children's hospitals, treating and helping to prevent a full range of pediatric health issues from colds and broken bones to complex heart disease and cancer. In 2025, Monroe Carell was again named among the nation’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” for the 19th consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, the hospital earned the distinction as the No. 1 pediatric hospital in Tennessee and shares first place in the Southeast region for the fifth consecutive year.
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, a nonprofit organization, opened in 2004, expanded its physical space in 2012, and in 2016 began construction to add four new floors encompassing 160,000 total square feet. The new expansion has helped advance the size and scope of the hospital's mission. For more about Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt: ChildrensHospitalVanderbilt.org.
Media Contacts:
Email: PR@IroquoisSteeplechase.org
Tresa Halbrooks, LEGACY PR
615-669-6058
Kim Dettwiller Burton, Team Strategies
615-330-5656
