Mells at the Steeplechase

For five consecutive years, Mells has delighted crowds at the Iroquois Steeplechase by featuring in the ceremonial Parade of Hounds. 

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The "Parade of Hounds" at steeplechase events is a traditional and symbolic ceremony that honors the historical roots of steeplechase racing. Steeplechasing evolved from informal races between foxhunters daring each other to race to prominent landmarks, such as church steeples, across the countryside. These chases often involved jumping over obstacles like hedges, ditches, and stone walls, mirroring the terrain encountered during a fox hunt.