(Edited press release)
K. Hardison Jr. has been named this year’s inductee into the Iroquois Steeplechase Hall of Fame, the Iroquois Steeplechase Race Committee announced April 23. The Iroquois Steeplechase Hall of Fame honors owners, trainers, and riders who have played a significant role in making the Iroquois into a premiere event.
The 68th running of the Iroquois Steeplechase, benefiting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, will be held May 9 at Percy Warner Park.
“Ernest will always be remembered as an Iroquois champion, a scholar, and gentleman,” said Dwight Hall, chairman of the Iroquois Steeplechase Race Committee. “His ongoing support was extremely beneficial during the early days of the Iroquois and helped the young event build a strong foundation in Nashville’s sporting and social culture. It is an honor to announce that Ernest Hardison Jr. is the 2009 inductee into the Iroquois Steeplechase Hall of Fame.”
Hardison won the Iroquois Steeplechase in 1944, jockeying Bank Robber to victory after being beaten by Calvin Houghland’s Frederick II the year before. He also won the flat race aboard his own horse, Tedder, earlier that day. In addition to having success as a jockey, Hardison also prospered as an owner and trainer of steeplechase horses. All together, he helped support the Iroquois Steeplechase for 44 years.