The 27th Cheltenham Countryside Race Day on November 11th, in conjunction with the Countryside Alliance, was once again a great success. The day has become one of our most important events and is an iconic date in the rural calendar.
It was extremely well attended and though the funds raised have not been finalised event organisers are confident that significant funds have been made for both the Injured Jockeys Fund and the Countryside Alliance. The silent auction alone, run by Frank Speir was able to raise £16,293 and the auction over £100,000. Event organiser Sarah Holman has delivered an extraordinary day year after year and it is difficult to express how much she has done for the Alliance and all the associated charities that have benefited.
Speaking after the event, Countryside Alliance Chief Executive, Tim Bonner, said:
"It was a very successful day. I was delighted that we were able to raise so much. The Injured Jockeys Fund is a fantastic cause and I hope that the funds they receive following this successful event will make a real difference to the charity.
"The Countryside Alliance owe a debt of gratitude to all those who helped us with the event. Without them, the event simply would not have been possible. I would like to pay particular thanks to Frank Speir and Sara Rutherford for their fundraising efforts associated with the hugely successful silent auction and Vestra Wealth, Quilter Cheviot and Essential Wealth for sponsoring our auction.
"We are also indebted to the talented auctioneer Richard Phillips, without whose skills we would have struggled to raise the vast sums we did.
"We thank the Directors of Cheltenham Racecourse for hosting us. The 28th Countryside race day will be on Friday 17th November 2017, I hope it proves to be as successful."