The 72nd running of the Iroquois Steeplechase is upon us and from horses and hats, jockeys and jackets and hurdles and haute dresses—Steeplechase is synonymous with style.

This all-day event, which draws around 25,000 spectators per year, will be held May 11 at Percy Warner Park in Nashville. So it’s time to break the bank account and dress in your best duds as the Nashville social scene springs alive.

The Iroquois Steeplechase is an event as rich in history as it is in shoes and solo cups. The actual grounds were constructed in 1936 as part of a parks improvement project. The event’s namesake comes from a little horse named, Iroquois, who just happened to be the first American bred horse to win the English Derby way back in 1881.  In fact, this horse was so rad, Wall Street actually closed to celebrate.  Pretty amazing horse that is definitely worthy of having a race named after it, in fact, anything that can get Wall Street to close deserves a party.

From “the refined to the rowdy,” the Iroquois Steeplechase has something for everybody and has become a new tradition for the GLBT spring social season. The event brings fun, frivolity, and a sense of pride to the local community; not to mention those gravity defying cranium covers that make you rethink basic physics.

So what will you wear? That’s up to you! Men, if true Nashville music style is your speed, head over to The Label in the 12 South neighborhood. Looking for a unique bowtie? Head over to Whiskey Cotton, a GLBT-owned business, for the latest in traditional and ‘not-so-traditional’ bowties.

As for the ladies, Holly Williams’ Green Hills boutique clothing store, H. Audrey, is sure to be one place that you can find something to wear. Shopping for both? Look no further than another Green Hills boutique, Billy Reid.

So stop horsin’ around and get to planning because there is nothing worse than showing up in the same exact outfit as someone else. And if you see O&AN galloping around make sure you say hay.

Want instant updates about Steeplechase? Text TNSteeplechase to 86974 to receive updates on ticket info and availability, pre-race and race day events, exclusive contests and race day traffic alerts. For more information about ticket packages visit the Iroquois Steeplechase website.