NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Iroquois Steeplechase, sponsored by Bank of America, has named its Honorary Chair, Child Ambassador, and Official Artwork for the 2025 race set to take place next month, May 10, at Percy Warner Park. The Iroquois Steeplechase, Nashville’s iconic sporting event, has proudly partnered with Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt since 1981, raising over $11 million for the cause.
C. Wright Pinson, MBA, MD, Deputy CEO and Chief Health System Officer at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, will serve as Honorary Chair, while Caroline, a patient ambassador for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, will serve as the Child Ambassador for the 2025 race. In addition, the Iroquois Steeplechase has unveiled the Official Artwork for the race created by renowned Nashville photographer Michael Gomez.
C. Wright Pinson, MBA, MD, has served the people and patients of Vanderbilt University Medical Center for 35 years. He currently serves as Deputy CEO and Chief Health System Officer until June 30, 2025, when he will continue as President of the Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network and serve as a senior counselor to the CEO of Vanderbilt University Medical Center dealing with government affairs, external hospital organizations and community affairs.
Each year, the Iroquois Steeplechase names an inspiring young person to serve as the event’s Child Ambassador to represent the strength and resiliency of children fighting difficult health diagnoses. In 2017, Caroline was diagnosed with stage 4, high-risk neuroblastoma, an aggressive, solid-tumor cancer that spreads throughout the body and bone marrow.
Following her diagnosis, Caroline underwent 18-months of rigorous treatment including chemotherapy, multiple surgeries, immunotherapies, radiation and stem cell transplants at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Caroline was given a clean bill of health in 2019, but has since relapsed and is currently continuing her treatment – determined to beat cancer once and for all. She remains determined, positive and passionate about sharing her story in hopes that she may inspire others to make a difference for patients and families experiencing the same challenges.
“We can’t express how grateful we are to Caroline’s care teams at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt,” said Caroline’s mother Margaret. “They are very thorough but also prompt and compassionate in their care. The staff always does an amazing job making sure Caroline is safe, and we can’t say enough about how appreciative we are for their care.”
In addition, the Iroquois Steeplechase has announced the Official Artwork for the race has been created by renowned Nashville photographer, Michael Gomez. Gomez created the digital artwork from a photo he’d taken of Snap Decision, winning a historic third consecutive victory in the Calvin Houghland Iroquois in 2024, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest competitors in steeplechase racing. Attendees can purchase a t-shirt or poster with the commemorative artwork on race day.
In 2011, Michael Gomez opened Westlight Studios in Franklin, a 5,600 sq. ft studio next to The Factory in Franklin and has become one of the most sought-after photographers in the entertainment industry, working with record labels, artists, actors, models and other celebrities. You’ve seen his work grace the covers of numerous magazines, publications, album covers, and even a few horses – now the Official Artwork for the 84th Anniversary of the Iroquois Steeplechase.
Limited tickets still remain for the Iroquois Steeplechase including access to the Hunt Club, a premium all-inclusive hillside experience with gourmet catering, full beverage service, guaranteed seating, and exclusive trackside views, Royal 615 Lounge, considered Nashville’s “hottest party” at the races and select Tailgating experiences.
For more detailed information on remaining ticket packages, race details or how you can support the organization, visit IroquoisSteeplechase.org.
About Iroquois Steeplechase
The Iroquois Steeplechase is a full day of racing at Percy Warner Park in Nashville, TN. The mission of the Iroquois Steeplechase is to manage and produce an annual world-class horse race that benefits Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and other local community non-profits, as well as promote the sport of steeplechasing. To learn more about Steeplechase, visit IroquoisSteeplechase.org.
About Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
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 issues from colds and broken bones to complex heart diseases and cancer. In 2024, Monroe Carell was again named among the nation’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” for the 18th consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, the hospital earned the distinction as the No. 1 pediatric hospital in Tennessee and shares first place in the Southeast region for the fourth consecutive year.
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, a nonprofit organization, opened in 2004, expanded its physical space in 2012, and in 2016 began construction to add 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 about Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt: ChildrensHospitalVanderbilt.org.
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