Fierce Rivalries & Enduring Friendships: 75 Years of the Iroquois Steeplechase charts the rise of the Iroquois Steeplechase, Middle Tennessee’s rite of spring, from its humble roots in pasture racing to the present-day world-class steeplechasing event. Interviews with key figures throughout the race’s history come to life alongside photos and memorabilia gathered from family photo albums and newspaper archives. Harrowing tales of spills and thrills can be found throughout the pages, as well as narratives on local steeplechasing icons who dedicated themselves to ensuring the future of this premier annual event.
Author Kathleen McWhirter began discussing the logistics of producing a book last summer. After consulting a few key figures, she began researching and writing in earnest by late winter. The book will be officially released at this year's drawing for post positions (Thursday, May 12) and she will be on hand to sign copies. The book includes photos taken at past Iroquois steeplechases by the Mid-South Horse Review.
We talked with author Kathleen McWhirter to learn more about the upcoming release of Fierce Rivalries & Enduring Friendships, which chronicles the history of Nashville’s Iroquois Steeplechase.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Iroquois Steeplechase. What makes it something that people keep coming back to, year after year?
It’s a number of components, really. When researching the trajectory of the event, what became evident very early on is how dedicated people – be they owners, trainers, riders, volunteers, or spectators - are to the Iroquois. Comparing the first race program from 1941 to the most recent, many of the same family names still appear among the ranks of supporters and volunteers. It’s also very much a rite of spring for the city of Nashville. Regardless of whether or not you’ve got a horse in the race, few springtime activities compare to packing a picnic and heading out to Percy Warner Park for an exciting day of steeplechasing.
What can people expect to learn from this book?
I really wanted to focus on the people who make this event possible each year. Early chapters chart the progression of horse racing in Middle Tennessee before delving into the colossal impact foxhunting and hunt clubs around the area had in creating the Iroquois. Mason Houghland and his son, Calvin, were instrumental in both the founding of the event and ensuring it remained a premier steeplechasing event. While the 1970s and 1980s were a difficult time in horseracing and many steeplechases sadly fell by the wayside during that era, the leaders of the Iroquois successfully honored tradition while also modernizing the event and finding inventive ways to attract both the steeplechasing community and spectators.
Will readers get a sense of what makes the Iroquois unique from other races throughout the country?
Yes, unquestionably. While the Iroquois is but one race on the national steeplechasing circuit, it very much has its own personality, traditions, and attractions. The setting has long been hailed by many as perhaps the most beautiful course in America due to the natural amphitheater discovered by foxhunter and steeplechasing enthusiast Marcellus Frost back in 1936. It’s also significant that the Iroquois grew from relatively humble beginnings: the men and women who dreamed up the Iroquois had been holding informal pasture races on each other’s land and foxhunting together for years. Today the Iroquois is a world-class event attracting the best horseflesh and more than 25,000 visitors each year, but it still retains a very infectious, welcoming charm due to how organically it has grown over time.
Is there a favorite story that you came across while doing your research?
I don’t want to share too much, but there’s a great tale from the early days that showcases how much the event has evolved throughout the years. Because there was only brush to separate spectators from the track for many years, let’s just say that some attendees had a greater sense of awareness about where the horses were supposed to be versus where they were supposed to be. Thankfully, there were no injuries to report.
Where can the book be purchased?
The book – published by Event Logistics, Inc. – will be available at this year’s Iroquois on May 14. It will also be for sale on the Iroquois Steeplechase website at www.iroquoissteeplechase.org.
About the author: Kathleen McWhirter is a writer and historian based in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds an M.A. from the University of York (UK) in Modern History. Her most recent projects include collaborating with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Music Industry Coalition on efforts to preserve Nashville’s iconic Music Row and serving as the lead historian and scriptwriter for a program highlighting Nashville’s history during times of military conflict. More of her work can be found at www.kathleenmcwhirter.com.
Author Kathleen McWhirter began discussing the logistics of producing a book last summer. After consulting a few key figures, she began researching and writing in earnest by late winter. The book will be officially released at this year's drawing for post positions (Thursday, May 12) and she will be on hand to sign copies. The book includes photos taken at past Iroquois steeplechases by the Mid-South Horse Review.
We talked with author Kathleen McWhirter to learn more about the upcoming release of Fierce Rivalries & Enduring Friendships, which chronicles the history of Nashville’s Iroquois Steeplechase.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Iroquois Steeplechase. What makes it something that people keep coming back to, year after year?
It’s a number of components, really. When researching the trajectory of the event, what became evident very early on is how dedicated people – be they owners, trainers, riders, volunteers, or spectators - are to the Iroquois. Comparing the first race program from 1941 to the most recent, many of the same family names still appear among the ranks of supporters and volunteers. It’s also very much a rite of spring for the city of Nashville. Regardless of whether or not you’ve got a horse in the race, few springtime activities compare to packing a picnic and heading out to Percy Warner Park for an exciting day of steeplechasing.
What can people expect to learn from this book?
I really wanted to focus on the people who make this event possible each year. Early chapters chart the progression of horse racing in Middle Tennessee before delving into the colossal impact foxhunting and hunt clubs around the area had in creating the Iroquois. Mason Houghland and his son, Calvin, were instrumental in both the founding of the event and ensuring it remained a premier steeplechasing event. While the 1970s and 1980s were a difficult time in horseracing and many steeplechases sadly fell by the wayside during that era, the leaders of the Iroquois successfully honored tradition while also modernizing the event and finding inventive ways to attract both the steeplechasing community and spectators.
Will readers get a sense of what makes the Iroquois unique from other races throughout the country?
Yes, unquestionably. While the Iroquois is but one race on the national steeplechasing circuit, it very much has its own personality, traditions, and attractions. The setting has long been hailed by many as perhaps the most beautiful course in America due to the natural amphitheater discovered by foxhunter and steeplechasing enthusiast Marcellus Frost back in 1936. It’s also significant that the Iroquois grew from relatively humble beginnings: the men and women who dreamed up the Iroquois had been holding informal pasture races on each other’s land and foxhunting together for years. Today the Iroquois is a world-class event attracting the best horseflesh and more than 25,000 visitors each year, but it still retains a very infectious, welcoming charm due to how organically it has grown over time.
Is there a favorite story that you came across while doing your research?
I don’t want to share too much, but there’s a great tale from the early days that showcases how much the event has evolved throughout the years. Because there was only brush to separate spectators from the track for many years, let’s just say that some attendees had a greater sense of awareness about where the horses were supposed to be versus where they were supposed to be. Thankfully, there were no injuries to report.
Where can the book be purchased?
The book – published by Event Logistics, Inc. – will be available at this year’s Iroquois on May 14. It will also be for sale on the Iroquois Steeplechase website at www.iroquoissteeplechase.org.
About the author: Kathleen McWhirter is a writer and historian based in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds an M.A. from the University of York (UK) in Modern History. Her most recent projects include collaborating with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Music Industry Coalition on efforts to preserve Nashville’s iconic Music Row and serving as the lead historian and scriptwriter for a program highlighting Nashville’s history during times of military conflict. More of her work can be found at www.kathleenmcwhirter.com.
