Race for the Chase Charity Golf Classic
Supporting the Future of Iroquois Steeplechase
For more than eighty-five years, the Iroquois Steeplechase has brought families, friends and racing fans together at Percy Warner Park. Now, the organization behind the annual event is raising funds for improvements to the historic racecourse.
The Volunteer State Horsemen’s Foundation, the nonprofit organization behind the Iroquois Steeplechase, has launched the Race for the Chase: Preserving the Iroquois Steeplechase Course capital campaign. The multi-year campaign has a goal of raising $3.75 million for needed improvements to the course and its facilities.
“For over eighty-five years, generations of families have gathered at Percy Warner Park for the Iroquois Steeplechase and with that history comes a responsibility to care for the course that makes it all possible,” said Marianne Byrd, President of Iroquois Steeplechase. “The Race for the Chase campaign is about being good stewards of this historic property today so it can continue to serve the race, our charitable mission and the Nashville community well into the future.”
The campaign will fund improvements to the course’s aging irrigation and drainage systems, as well as restoration and replacement of fencing. Planned work also includes repairs and updates to the stables and grandstands. The improvements are intended to address maintenance needs and improve the property for the annual race and other activities at Percy Warner Park.
One of the first fundraising events for the campaign will be the inaugural Race for the Chase Charity Golf Classic on October 19th, at The Governor’s Club in Brentwood. The tournament will bring together Steeplechase supporters, businesses and community members for a day of golf while raising money for the course improvements.
“The Race for the Chase Charity Golf Classic gives people an opportunity to gather as a community and enjoy a day of golf - all in support to preserve an event that has been woven into the fabric of Nashville for generations,” said Dwight Hall, Race Chairman of Iroquois Steeplechase. “Every sponsorship, team and contribution moves us closer to completing the much needed improvements this historic racecourse needs and helps protect the legacy of the Iroquois Steeplechase for years to come.”
The Iroquois Steeplechase course was constructed in the late 1930s through the Works Progress Administration, and the first Iroquois Steeplechase was held there in 1941. The event has become an annual Nashville tradition and an important fundraiser for local causes. Since 1981, the Steeplechase has contributed more than $12 million to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
The Race for the Chase Charity Golf Classic will feature plenty of fun, swag bags and exciting activations throughout the course. Take your best shot at incredible hole-in-one prizes, including two vehicles from Andrews Transportation and a golf cart from Boswell’s Golf Carts and test your skills with a golf air cannon on the course. Golfers will also enjoy cocktails from Lipman and delicious samples from DonutNV Brentwood, Music City Brisket and Red Phone Booth (cigars). The day will also feature a lunch buffet provided by Monell’s, awards party and LIVE MUSIC by a rising country artist Walker Montgomery - making for a memorable day of golf, food, drinks and fun, all in support of preserving the historic Iroquois Steeplechase racecourse.
The Race for the Chase campaign gives supporters an opportunity to help address the physical needs of the racecourse while continuing the Iroquois Steeplechase’s role in the Nashville community. To learn more and register, visit iroquoissteeplechase.org/race-for-the-chase.
