Iroquois Steeplechase

Mo Mo _{on Google}

Jul 17th, 2021

We used Google Maps and I entered Iroquois Steeple Chase and it took us to their office. We were about 25 minutes too far south. Once we arrived at 10:00 am we were able to pull right into the free lot from the street and it was right across the street from the grounds. They have a section of the small road roped off so you can walk the short walk (maybe 1/4 of a mile, tree shaded) to the entrance. Once you have your ticket scanned you are walking into the tailgating area and the people really have that figured out! People brought tents and couches, had themes, buffets set up for their group... some of them were really elaborate. The "food truck area" down in that area consisted of 2 trucks. A burger truck and I am not sure what the other truck was. There were plenty of port-a-potties available. Once we headed up the hill we entered a 21 and over tent that didn't have much in it at all. There was a VIP section in the back but other than a couple of couches didn't see much to it, maybe a bar was in there. We went into the Diamond Center tent and they had nice couches and free drinks. Beer, Perrier and vodka with lemonade. The box seats were metal fold-out chairs and they had the only programs I saw piled up next to them . The VIP food and drink tents were above that. They had premium alcohols, fried chicken, seared tuna strips, steak strips and a variety of sides and breads. There is also an air conditioned bathroom up there. There are some other tents as you head back towards the entrance across the track from the tailgating section. I couldn't see what they were serving but it looked like a sit-down situation instead of a buffet. The track is much, much larger than I had expected and the horses make two laps each race. None of the areas felt cramped or uncomfortable at all. There was a lot of security and people blocking the tent areas looking for bracelets. The whole venue is very simple in that there did not seem any way to purchase bracelets or much of anything else. I didnt see any ATMs, there was not a lot of vendors at all. The ones that are there are super expensive tho, like a hat was $850/ $950, etc... If I ever go again I definitely think the hill is the way to go, there are plenty of people handing out free drinks and the burger truck food was super good and reasonable. I dont think the cost of the included food and drink is worth it.. The view was much better from the grass under a tree on the hill. In the tailgating area I cant imagine being able to see much of the race. We did have a ton of fun!

Carl Hollingsworth _{on Google}

Jun 29th, 2021

What a beautiful place and so much more than just a horse race