This iconic sporting event has been Nashville's rite of spring since 1941, attracting more than 25,000 spectators to watch the best horses and riders in race over hurdles on a three-mile turf track. Held the second Saturday of each May at Percy Warner Park, the Iroquois Steeplechase is an annual celebration of time-honored traditions, Tennessee hospitality and Southern fashions. Those who attend enjoy areas for families, well-appointed tents and individually organized tailgates where the emphasis is on race day pickings, larger-than-life hats, Honey Jack Juleps and crowd-pleasing recipes. More importantly, guests support a cause at the heart of the event: Since being designated as the official charity in 1981, the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt has received nearly $10 million from Iroquois Steeplechase proceeds. #TNSteeplechase
