Iroquois Steeplechase will play host to around 25,000 spectators and anticipation grows to see if Snap Decision is an Iroquois Steeplechase three-peat, having won in 2021 and 2022.
Chairman Dwight Hall said, “We are thrilled to have to Snap Decision returning to Nashville in his historic bid to be the first winner of three consecutive Calvin Houghland Iroquois G1. Snap Decision is an old friend to Iroquois and his two previous wins in the race place him in a rarefied group. A horse of a generation, it would be an honor if Iroquois could add another chapter to his storied career.”
A 12-time winner over hurdles — including 11 stakes and three Grade 1s — Snap Decision, now 9, would also eclipse the $1 million mark in career earnings. However, he’d still have a ways to go to break the million-dollar plateau as a jumper. To date, his steeplechase earnings are at $702,900. Should he win, the Jack Fisher-trainee would stand alone as the only jumper to capture the 3-mile classic in successive years. Mrs. Michael Sanger’s Uncle Edwin was victorious in 1982, 1985, and 1986.
Though the Iroquois is run at level weights — those nominated will carry 158 pounds — and Snap Decision is used to giving away substantial amounts of weight to his rivals, a three-peat won’t be easy.
The gates open at 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 13 at Percy Warner Park for a fun day of racing, parties, community and fashion. Participants are reminded to print parking passes at home and display on the dashboard to keep the entry running smoothly and quickly.
Guests can enjoy innovative food trucks and full- service bars throughout the grounds for their convenience. Food trucks that will be on site this year are Chick-fil-A, Hogwood EY, Sweet T’s Ice Cream, Elliston Place Soda Shop, Southern Kernel Kettle Corn, Brown’s Diner, Fye Dog’s, Retro Sno, NashBowls Acai, Prince’s Hot Chicken, Shug’s Ice Cream, Vee’s Chick n Cones, and Moosic City Ice Cream.
Coolers are still allowed but no glass containers, pets, propane grills, pyrotechnics, fireworks, firearms or amplified music. Children 12 and under are free in the tailgating areas.
Enhancing the race day experience includes taking a stroll through the Iroquois Hillside Shoppes and Steeplechase Central Vendor Village. Patrons have the opportunity to shop for Steeplechase styles on race day in a tented retail experience. Vendors include Gus Mayer, KREWE, Franklin Cigar, Bow River, The Rolling Humidor, Chetna Sigma Scarves, Wood + Wolfe, Custom Lawn Jockeys, Equiluxe Tack, Gillian Valentine, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Soul & Story, Christopher Mike Studio, and The Heart Knot.
If there is any chance of rain, bring your rainboots and umbrellas! The race goes on – rain or shine!
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