by Tod Marks for the National Steeplechase Association
Should Bruton Street–US’ Snap Decision be victorious in Saturday’s $200,000 Calvin Houghland Iroquois Stakes at Percy Warner Park, he will become only the second horse in history to win the prestigious Grade 1 fixture three times.
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.
Here’s a list of those who have come up short:
Tax Ruling (Irv Naylor) 2010–11
Good Night Shirt (Sonny Via) 2007–08
Sur La Tete (Kinross Farm) 2005–06
Rowdy Irishman (Vesta Balestiere) 1998–99
Victorian Hill (Mrs. William Lickle) 1991–92
Census (George Chase) 1983–84
Owhatachief (Augustin Stables) 1978–79
Marbrouk (Augustin Stables) 1971–72
Appolon (Mr. William Rochester) 1967–68
Sulpholaz (Mr. Carl Berger) 1963 and 1965
Ginny Bug (Mr. H. S. Nichols) 1954–55
Bluish (Mr. Austin Brown) 1947–48
Rockmayne (Miss Barbara Bullitt/Mrs. Lowry Watkins) 1941–42
As of today, a field of eight is expected to contest the Iroquois.
The Iroquois Steeplechase is an iconic sporting event that has been Nashville’s rite of spring since 1941. Held the second Saturday of each May at Percy Warner Park, the annual event attracts more than 25,000 spectators and is Music City’s celebration of time- honored traditions, Tennessee hospitality and southern fashions. The event also supports several philanthropic causes and has donated nearly $11 million to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt since 1981. To learn more about Steeplechase, visit www.iroquoissteeplechase.org.
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals, treating and helping to prevent a full range of pediatric health is sues from colds and broken bones to complex heart diseases and cancer. Achieving 10 out of 10 nationally ranked pediatric specialties in 2022, Monroe Carell was again named among the nation’s “ Best Children’s Hospitals” for the 16th consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, the hospital earned the distinction as the No. 1 pediatric hospital in Tennessee, and for the second year shares first place in the Southeast Region. Monroe Carell, a nonprofit organization, opened in 2004, expanded its physical space in 2012, and recently added four new floors encompassing 160,000 total sq. ft. The new expansion helps to advance the size and scope of the hospital’s mission. For more information, click here.
