Organizers hope Mother Nature will shine favorably on the 58th annual running of the Stoneybrook Steeplechase horse races Saturday at Carolina Horse Park at Five Points.

Soggy weather the last two years kept attendance down, but this year the forecast calls for sunshine and temperatures in the low 70s.

"It is going to be perfect weather for the races," said Reney Stanley, marketing director for Stoneybrook.

For the first time, Stoneybrook has added ticket outlets all over the state. In addition to places in Southern Pines and Pinehurst, outlets are located in Fayetteville, Raeford, Raleigh and even places like Mocksville and Franklinton.

"Things are really starting to pick up now that people know that there will be great weather," Stanley said. "Our phones have really been ringing."

Corporate sales, though, have been affected by the poor economy, she said.

"A lot of companies are having to cut back," Stanley said. "But we have added some new sponsors."

This will be the ninth year Stoneybrook has been run at the Carolina Horse Park on Montrose Road just over the border in Hoke County.

For 49 years, the races were held at the Walsh Farm on Youngs Road in Southern Pines. The Walsh family sold the land in 1996, two years after founder Michael "Mickey" Walsh died. The races were dormant until 2001, when the Carolina Horse Park revived them for the 50th running.

While the park is in Hoke County, the tradition is very much rooted in Moore County.

"It has so much history," said Jane Murray, executive director of the horse park. "It has been part of the Sandhills tradition for so long. We are keeping that going and adding some new traditions."

The Carolina Horse Park maintains a connection to the Walsh Family by having Phoebe Walsh Robertson on the race committee. She had served as race director for several years.

"She is such a pro when it comes to steeplechase racing, and she is so well-known," Murray said. "She is still very much involved in the races every year."

Mickey Walsh Sr. started the races in 1947. It was billed as an afternoon in the country with family and friends to enjoy fun, fellowship and a few horse races. And Murray said it is still that way today.

Stoneybrook grew in popularity over the years at the Walsh farm, attracting thousands. Generations of family came back year after year. It was known as the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.

Stoneybrook became a major undertaking for the Walsh family and the countless volunteers who helped stage the event.

The children were able to keep it going for two years after Walsh's death, but eventually they had to sell the farm. The 49th and final running at the Walsh farm was in April 1996.

Many hoped the 49th running at the Walsh Farm would not be the last. Robertson introduced Stoneybrook to the founders of the horse park.

The horse park has kept many of the traditions of the old Stoneybrook -- the colorful hat and tailgate contests and the "Busy Bee Fat Furlong" pony races for children. There is also a Kids Corral with a petting zoo and pony rides.

Several new "traditions" have been added this year, including a stick horse race contest sponsored by the Jefferson Inn. The Golden Knights Parachute team will stage a demonstration at 10:30 a.m.

To show appreciation for the military, a Yellow Ribbon area has been established with discounted prices on tailgating spots for members of the Armed Forces and their families. These spots offer some of the best views of the races.

Speaking of the races, post time for the first of six races is 1 p.m. The total purse is $70,000.

Gates open at 9:30 a.m.

Stanley and Murray both say they hope to see many familiar faces as well as some new ones at this year's running.

"We want this to become a tradition for people who have never experienced Stoneybrook before," Stanley said. "It will be a wonderful afternoon."

Contact David Sinclair at 693-2462 or by e-mail at dsinclair@thepilot.com.