George Sloan: 2011 Iroquois Steeplechase Hall of Fame Inductee

The Iroquois Steeplechase Race Committee proudly announces the induction of George Sloan into the Iroquois Steeplechase Hall of Fame, which honors the legendary careers of owners, trainers and riders whose contributions have helped make the Iroquois the premiere event it is today.

George is remembered for his countless contributions to the steeplechasing sport and more specifically to the Iroquois.

As a Nashville native whose father was one of the Iroquois co-founders, George got a taste of the Iroquois at the early age of eight when he jockeyed in a pony race.  At the age of 21 he won the 20th Annual Iroquois Steeplechase on Local Run, a horse owned by his father-in-law and friend, Calvin Houghland.

From this victory, he went on to win the Iroquois three more times: In 1964 on Calvin Houghland’s Hidden Chance; 1970 on James P. Melton’s Somaten; and 1976 on Carter Hills Farm’s He’s Trouble, becoming the first rider to win the race four times, a feat yet to be surpassed.

In 1970, George Sloan was named the US Champion Amateur Steeplechase Jockey. By 1977, he had set his sights on the most ambitious goal: Becoming the first foreigner to earn the same title in England.

On June 3, 1987, George Sloan rode to his 23rd win of the season on Crofter at Stratford-upon-Avon, securing national champion amateur jockey in England, an accomplishment often compared to having a British baseball team come to America and win the World Series.

In total, George won 148 races in the US and England, topping all American amateurs at the time. 

Upon his death in 2001, George Sloan left behind more than just an impressive racing record – he left a lasting mark on the sport of steeplechasing, as well.  As founder and chairman of the International Steeplechase Group, he created the Sport of Kings Challenge series of international races and encouraged the expansion of steeplechasing at racetracks and race meets around the country.

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Jeff Bradford/Natalie Townsend, info@bradfordgrp.com, 615-515-4888