Dr. Jonathan D. Gitlin and Sara Jo Gill, daughter of the late steeplechase owner Calvin Houghland, will serve as honorary co-chairs at the 2010 Iroquois Steeplechase, scheduled May 8 on the event grounds in Nashville's Percy Warner Park.
"We are thrilled to have such outstanding honorary chairs this year," said Dwight Hall, chairman of the Iroquois Steeplechase Race Committee, in a Jan. 21 press release announcing the selections.
Gitlin represents the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, which has been the Iroquois Steeplechase's primary charity since 1981. Gitlin is the chair of the university's department of pediatrics.
Gill's father was a key part of the Iroquois Steeplechase since its inception. His father, Mason, was one of the founders. Calvin Houghland rode in the first Iroquois in 1941 and won it as a jockey two years later. He captured the event five times as an owner, including last year's grade I renewal with Pierrot Lunaire. He died Oct. 27 at the age of 93.
"Her (Gill's) presence elevates this year's gathering as we work to honor and recognize Calvin," Hall said.
