NASHVILLE, Tennessee, May 8, 2015 – Iroquois Steeplechase announced today that the stick horse race, presented by Cumulus and Phillips Toy Mart, is back for its fourth year. This year, the Iroquois Race Committee has named the stick horse race after Michael Stanley, the 2014 child ambassador who passed away April 23, 2015 after a second battle with cancer.
“We wanted to do something to honor Michael’s courage and spirit,” said Dwight Hall, chairman of the Iroquois Race Committee. “The stick horse race was his favorite part of race day last year, and we know he’ll be there cheering us all on again this year.”
The Michael Stanley Iroquois Stick Horse Race is an opportunity to get the whole family involved in race day activities. Cumulus and Phillips Toy Mart will host three stick horse races (grouped by age), which will take place between the third and fourth Steeplechase races. Marty McFly from 95.5 Nash ICON will emcee the races.
Michael Stanley, 2014 Child Ambassador
Children aged three to 10 are eligible and encouraged to participate in the festivities. Each participant will receive a stick horse provided by Phillips Toy Mart. Winners of the three races will win a $100 gift certificate to the toy store.
Families can sign up their young jockeys on race day at the 95.5 Nash ICON tent in the Family Area.
Families looking to entertain the whole group this year can visit the Family Area, located behind Hospitality Village. The Family Area offers an entire day of free games and entertainment to children 12 and under with parental supervision. The area is alcohol-free and open to all families attending the race.
About the Iroquois Steeplechase
Held on the second Saturday of every May at Nashville’s Percy Warner Park, the Iroquois Steeplechase is the premier spring race in American steeplechasing and Music City’s traditional rite of spring – typically attracting more than 25,000 spectators. Since being designated in 1981 as the official charity of the Iroquois Steeplechase, the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt has received nearly $10 million from the event proceeds. For information on advance ticket purchases, corporate and hospitality tents, and tailgating and RV spaces, visit www.iroquoissteeplechase.org or call (615) 591-2991.