A few weeks ago, we had the wonderful privilege of going to the Iroquois Steeplechase with Eve & Jefferson. Steeplechase was extra special this year, so we were honored to go with them, along with their friends Matt & Kristen, and of course her parents (and my 2nd), Adora & Regg. It was an absolutely beautiful day- 72 degrees, not a cloud in the sky. Picture perfect- especially a week after the flood.
We sat in their box right on the finish line, ate a little picnic lunch, observed all of the lovely hats, watched the races, and enjoyed a fun day together to honor Papa, Eve's grandfather who passed away this past October. As founder of the Iroquois Steeplechase, Papa had a passion for the race. Much of the day this year was dedicated to him and celebrating all that he had given to the event.
(evie & me)
(the girls)
(the Kings)
(looking stunning as always- Adora & Regg)
(we got to see Marissa & her new boo John for 2 seconds)
(eve & her cute cousin Chole)
(Adora & her sister Sarah-Jo)
One good looking group!
The day was filled with all sorts of exciting things......
The night before the race, they went to the Jockey Club party and took part in an auction to bid on the jockeys that would be riding the next day, with the proceeds benefitting Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. Regg won 2 of the jockeys, so whenever their 2 jockeys were riding, they got to stand in the winner's circle for the race. If their jockey won, they got to have their picture with them and the owners holding the trophy to that race.
So here they are waiting before one of the races....
the horses clearing the last jump before the finish line....
and what do you know! Jefferson's jockey won! 
So here he and Matt are on the big screen!
Another highlight of the day was that a couple of Papa's horses were in 2 of the races- the 4th one, and the final race in his honor, and 1 of them won the 4th race!
(Regg and Eve waiting for the 4th race to start)
Here's the replay of his horse's finish....
One of Papa's horses also won the big race last year, making that his 5th win- more than anyone else in Steeplechase history. This would have been his 6th. Such a great way to honor him!
The final race- "The Calvin Houghland Iroquois"
A video honoring Papa.....
The hounds....
And they're off!
It was a fantastic day and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to spend it with my Evie!
Joyfully honored to honor a fantastic life,
what a great overview of a great day! thanks so much for doing that! love you!
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