Stoneybrook Steeplechase Off and Running

Nadal crosses the finish line ahead of Demonstrative in the first race of the day at Stoneybrook.

As of Sunday, April 8, 2012

A beautiful sunny day provided the prefect provided the backdrop for the 61st annual running of the Stoneybrook Steeplechase at the Carolina Horse Park.

Stoneybrook, featuring thrilling horse races, elaborate tailgating and beautiful Easter bonnets, is a rite of spring in the Sandhills.

Each year, the event attracts the best horses and jockeys from around the nation. Steeplechase racing puts thoroughbred horses over a variety of man-made fences in a test of speed, stamina and power.

Festivities began at 10 a.m. with opening ceremonies at noon and the Parade to Post at 1 p.m. The frst races went off about 1:30 p.m.

This year’s race day activities featured fun for the whole family. A designated kids area offered pony rides, climbing wall, stick horse races and a John Deere pedal tractor race. The 5K Run for the Ribbons, to benefit the FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital Cancer CARE fund, took place this morning. followed by the always popular best of show hat contests and tailgate contest.

Founded more than six decades ago, Stoneybrook moved to the Carolina Horse Park in 2001 and has seen phenomenal growth as competitors vie for top honors and tens of thousands in purse money.

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emb6683 1 year, 1 month ago

C'mon Pilot, that's it?? This little blurb and nine pictures in the print edition? For one of the most significant equestrian events in the area?

There were plenty of articles about golf, of course, and local high school sports. And even a long piece about the return of NASCAR to the Rock! But this is it about Stoneybrook. For shame.

golflady 1 year, 1 month ago

I agree - the lack of coverage on this outstanding event is appalling.

FightFireWithFire 1 year, 1 month ago

I agree, there were quite a few media outlets there and plenty of photographers. Shame on you, Pilot!

JohnANagy 1 year, 1 month ago

Folks, we did what we were able to get in the paper regarding Stoneybrook, given our deadline situation on Saturday. Remember, the first race went off at 1:30. Our deadline is 3 p.m. Once the photographer shoots the pictures, he has to transmit, then they have to be made production ready, laid out on the page and then those pages have to be transmitted to Raleigh. We certainly wish we could have done more live, but Saturday events are very tricky. We will have more on the event.

emb6683 1 year, 1 month ago

The dis-advantage of not printing your own paper. The Fayetteville Observer had a good write up. But I guess their deadline is later in the day, since their pages don't have to be transmitted to Raleigh.

JER 1 year, 1 month ago

Welcome to Moore County, Mr. Nagy. As you will continue to see, there are plenty of folks here who are experts at running your newspaper. And whatever you do, it won't be correct. But hey, being treated like you are the POTUS is pretty cool, don't you think?