Iroquois Steeplechase

View on map
Sports & AdventureNashville
DatesDates TBA · Usually MayCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceThe race carries the name of Iroquois, a
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Iroquois Steeplechase in Nashville

The Iroquois Steeplechase, a Grade I National Steeplechase Association race run every second Saturday of May at Percy Warner Park, has continued in Nashville since 1941, interrupted only by World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic, and is named for the first American-bred thoroughbred to win England's Epsom Derby.

The Iroquois Steeplechase takes its name from a horse whose achievement, decades before the Nashville race itself existed, changed how American thoroughbreds were regarded internationally.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The race carries the name of Iroquois, a thoroughbred that made history in 1881 as the first American-bred horse to win the prestigious Epsom Derby in England, a symbolic connection between Nashville's steeplechase and the broader history of American thoroughbred racing on the world stage

02

The mystery stays covered

Held within a card of five to seven preliminary flat and steeplechase races at Percy Warner Park, the Iroquois itself is a demanding three-mile test over national fences for four-year-old and older horses, and its list of past winners includes several horses later named American Champion Steeplechase Horse, giving the race genuine standing within the competitive steeplechase circuit

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Held every second Saturday of May without fail except for 1945's wartime cancellation and 2020's pandemic postponement

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the race's consistency across more than eight decades is itself a point of local pride

The sacred route

Living ritual

and the tradition of naming standout steeplechase horses American Champion continues to tie individual Iroquois winners to a broader national competitive lineage

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually May

Getting around

Use the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.

What to wear

Traditional Southern steeplechase attire: sundresses and sunhats for many women, sport coats and ties common among men, with comfortable footwear given the grass footing of the park setting.

Safety

At Iroquois Steeplechase, respect barriers, moving equipment and marshal guidance; photos are never worth stepping into active areas.

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Nashville.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map36.17 N, 86.78 WOpen in Google Maps

Nashville, TN

Nearest airportBNA — Nashville
TransportUse the city as a planning base, then confirm the exact venue, route, or meeting point close to the date.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Nashville.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Nashville via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Nashville, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for May.Compare faresFestival gearTraditional Southern steeplechase attire: sundresses and sunhats for many women, sport coats and ties common among men, with comfortable footwear given the grass footing of the park setting.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Iroquois Steeplechase?

Iroquois Steeplechase is listed for Past edition: 9 May 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Iroquois Steeplechase take place?

The festival is listed in Nashville, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Nashville, TN

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLiroquoissteeplechase.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually May
Source statusOfficial source linked
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