Heart Pounding Finish
The 85th Iroquois Steeplechase Offers a Heart-Pounding Finish
Janet Kurtz | Photographs by Eric England, Michael Scott Evans, Hamilton Matthew Masters
May 28, 2026
What began as a dream among a group of fox-hunting enthusiasts, on a racecourse built by the Works Progress Administration, has evolved into an annual tradition that spans generations. Now in its 85th year, the Iroquois Steeplechase enjoys a reputation in the horse racing world for superior track conditions and a commitment to philanthropy.
On May 10, 1941 — seven months before the United States entered World War II — organizers ran the first Iroquois Steeplechase. That inaugural race, won by a horse named Rockmayne, cemented the event in Nashville culture. Every second Saturday in May, Nashvillians descend on Percy Warner Park carrying baskets of picnic delights and dressed in spring finery — complete with stylish chapeaus — to take in the sights and cheer on their favorite horses. Now, more than eight decades later, horses, trainers and jockeys travel from around the world to compete in the prestigious race where destinies and dynasties take shape.
For the 85th running, the weather could not have been more pristine. Blue skies dotted with fluffy white clouds provided moments of welcome shade throughout the day. Multiple generations of families arrived, as one racegoer described it, “suited and booted” for the big race with even bigger stakes. Guests visited the Nfocus Portrait Studio, presented by Oak Hall, for a chance to enter the Nfocus Steeplechase Style Contest. Competition ran high as judges selected the winners: Keyna Rankin as the Most Stylish Female, Jeff Garner as the Most Stylish Male, Memorie White and her son Donovan as the Best-Dressed Duo, Amber Gilock with the Most Fun Look, and Julie Schneider with the Best Hat.
As beautiful as the pageantry is, the day is also about philanthropy. Since 1981, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has been Steeplchase’s primary beneficiary, with other beneficiaries including Warner Parks and The Foundation for the Horse.
Per tradition, Mel’s Fox Hounds paraded down the track — some baying as they trotted beside the horses — while young Steeplechasers joined the fun during the annual stick horse race. This year, organizers added a new twist with a music stage featuring singer-songwriter Filmore.
While fashion remained on full display, races kept the energy high throughout the day. Race Five, the Calvin Houghland Iroquois Stakes, delivered a heart-pounding finish worthy of the history books. Race favorite Swore, owned by Patrick Lewis of Upland Flats Racing, jumped out to an early lead and held strong through the first lap. During the second lap, Swore maintained his advantage as onlookers cheered him on. He cleared the final jump at Heartbreak Hill and appeared poised for victory before Zabeel Champion surged ahead by inches at the finish line in a thrilling conclusion.
While this was not his year, Swore has certainly become a hometown hero who will likely return next year to this tradition that continues to captivate generation after generation.
https://www.nfocusmagazine.com/events/events85th-iroquois-steeplechase-2026/collection_8ab87819-9fe8-449c-bd8b-77a2eaf743f5.html?utm_source=nfocusmagazine.com&utm_campaign=/search/savedsearch/execute/?d1=yesterday%209am&d2=today%209am&xd=1&a=0c232674-0f65-11ed-af1c-4be51201e0a0&s=start-time&sd=desc&title=Janet%20Kurtz%20notification&utm_medium=followed
