Countryside Alliance sees thousands flock to support Cheltenham Countryside Day

Thousands of Countryside Alliance members and supporters gathered at Cheltenham Racecourse to show their support for Countryside Day on Friday 17th November. 

Aside from six thrilling races on Countryside Day, the highlight for many was the display of hounds which took place in the Parade Ring at 11am which featured the RAC Beagles and foxhounds from the Bicester with Whaddon Chase. Some of the hounds later made their tv debut when Ed Chamberlin opened ITV’s racing coverage holding two couple of hounds whilst surrounded by beagles. 

In support of Countryside Day’s charity partner, British Equestrian Team: Mission Paris, a Parade of Champions took place before racing which featured well-known equestrians and seven representatives from different packs of hounds. Helping to raise important funds for our teams ahead of the Paris Olympics in 2024, Charlotte Dujardin, Carl Hester, Ros Canter, Tina Cook, David Doel, Yasmin Ingham and William Fox-Pitt were accompanied by representatives from the Croome & West Warwickshire, Ledbury, Heythrop, Warwickshire, Bicester with Whaddon Chase and the Ross Harriers. 

Our annual Countryside Day fundraising lunch chaired by Christopher Hodgson took place on raceday and incorporated a live auction with auctioneer Sam Butler, chairman of the Warwickshire Hunt, inviting bids for some fabulous lots including a private tour of Windsor Mews, two rods for two days on the River Tweed and a suite in the iconic Tschuggen Grand Hotel in Austria. Funds from the live auction and the silent auction, which closed on raceday, will be split between the Alliance and British Equestrian Team: Mission Paris. 

During the lunch, our chairman, Nick Herbert, thanked Cheltenham Racecourse for their support. He also expressed his gratitude to Christopher Hodgson and the committee for coordinating the lunch and all those who had kindly donated lots for both the live auction and silent auction, including British Equestrian. Ahead of the general election which is expected to take place next year, Lord Herbert emphasised how the support from Countryside Day was vital to enable the Alliance to continue its important campaigning work in Westminster and beyond. 

Polly Portwin, the Alliance’s Director for the Campaign for Hunting, thanked all those who contributed to making Countryside Day such a successful and enjoyable day, including the many volunteers who manned our Christmas card stand, with particular thanks to Cheltenham racecourse:

“Countryside Day is one of the highlights in our calendar and we are incredibly grateful to Cheltenham Racecourse for their support which enables us to raise important funds to help with our campaigning work that protects and promotes the rural way of life. 

“We appreciate this is a busy time of year for hunts but extend our thanks to all those who participated in the hound display and parade, ensuring their attendance on Countryside Day continues to demonstrate the strong links that still exist between hunting as it is today and National Hunt racing. We look forward to returning in 2024.” 

Throughout the day, hundreds of members visited the Alliance’s designated members’ marquee which provided the perfect base, giving them an opportunity to meet Chief Executive, Tim Bonner, and other Alliance representatives. Our trade stand selling Christmas cards, calendars and other gifts was also well-supported and our thanks goes to all the volunteers who helped throughout the three-day November meeting.

Image credit: Daniel Hague Photography