The six steeplechase races (and one flat race) will be held on a 157-acre property behind the Landhope Farm Store at the intersection of Routes 82 and 926 in Unionville. The grounds open at 10 a.m. for tailgating and a variety of other events, with the races starting at 1:30 p.m.

Petty was a champion jockey in 2005 and the leading jockey in 2006 for race earnings. He competes in 75 to 100 races a year.

A specialist in hurdle races, Petty said he enjoys jumping over the natural hedges at Willowdale as opposed to a typical race's steel removable hurdles.

"I race whenever can and it's a hometown rack for me. The natural hedges are unique to Willowdale," Petty said.

The races are divided by flat or hurdle and horse ability/jockey weight class. They range in distance from 21/2 to 31/2 miles and vary from natural brush to timber hurdles. Petty will be riding in two races, The Landhope Cup (the first race) and The Folly (the third race).

The director of the Willowdale Steeplechase, Laurie Prysock, said the Willowdale is the only course in North America that has a brush fence and water jump set at about 12 feet wide.

Prysock said the event draws a wide array of spectators including horse riders and breeders and people not involved in the equestrian scene who simply want to enjoy a day outdoors. Prysock expects the event to draw about 10,000 spectators.

Picnics in the tailgating lot range from people with silver candelabras set up behind their Rolls Royces to groups enjoying Kentucky Fried Chicken and Coors Light in the back of pickup trucks, Prysock said.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for people come out with their families to enjoy a day in the beautiful countryside and at the same time support both the [horse] industry and charities," Prysock said.

This year the steeplechase will feature a parade of stagecoaches and horse-drawn carriages, and the annual event's largest antique-car show. All 23 cars in the show are locally owned and include a 1965 Shelby Cobra, 1948 Bentley, 1929 Rolls Royce and 1975 Bricklin.

Other events include Jack Russell Terrier races, children's hands-on activities, shopping and a tailgating competition.

Each year, the steeplechase supports area charities that focus on the quality of life of humans and horses, Prysock said. Proceeds from this year's event will benefit Quest Therapeutic Services Inc., the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine New Bolton Center and the Stroud Water Research Center.

Prior to the races, the Willowdale Steeplechase Water Jump Ball and Auction will be held tomorrow evening at the site of the race. Dinner will be served at 8:30 p.m. and a silent auction with cocktails begins at 6:30 p.m. The black-tie event includes live orchestra. Tickets are $195 per person.

If You Go

Gates open at 10 a.m. Sunday and close at 6 p.m rain or shine. Jack Russell races start at 11 a.m., horse racing at 1:30 p.m.

Admission is $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the event. Children under 12 are free.

Non-tailgate parking is included with general admission. Reserved tailgate parking is $150 to $375.

For more information check out www.willowdale.org or call 601-444-1582.