The Cheltenham Countryside Day silent auction is open now online

Some amazing lots are on offer in the silent auction at the Cheltenham Countryside day – which forms the opening day of the November Meeting at the world-famous Cheltenham Racecourse (16 November).

Countryside Day is a firm favourite in the sporting calendar, with a full card of National Hunt racing, complemented by hawks and hounds, ferrets, gun dogs and fabulous shopping. It offers a country fair atmosphere and a great family day out at the races.

On the day, the auction will be positioned adjacent to the Moet & Chandon Roma Bar in the Shopping Village (between M1 and M2). There will also be an auction station in the Countryside Alliance Members area in the Village (M4). The auction will conclude at 4pm on Friday 16 November.

But bids are being taken now online at https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/auction/detail/auction_id/2757

Top lots include: mornings on the gallops with trainers including Venetia Williams, Kim Bailey, Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls; days hunting with the Beaufort, Cotswold, North Cotswold and many more hunts and tickets to Badminton and Burghley horse trials.

The gates open at 10.40am on Cheltenham Countryside Day (16 November) and the first race is at 12.40pm and at approximately 13.25pm, after the second race, there will be a parade of hounds from the North Cotswold hunt accompanied by staff from the Heythrop, Beaufort and VWH hunts. Racing will then continue. All timings are approximate.

There will be plenty of opportunity for Christmas shopping in the Cheltenham Shopping Village, where stalls will be selling everything from clothing and country sports equipment, to fine art, sculpture and jewellery.

Countryside Alliance members will be greeted in the members' area with Buck's Fizz from 10.30-11.15 and a tipster will be on hand to help them fill out their slips. A shop and drop service will be available throughout the day and also a special offer to our members of 10% off the Wingfield Digby stand. Also running a raffle for a magnum of champagne, exclusively for our members.

Funds will be raised throughout the day for the Countryside Alliance and Racing Welfare – the charity that supports racing's stud, stable and other staff throughout their careers and retirement.

Organiser Sara Rutherford said: "Cheltenham Countryside Day has been day not to be missed for more than 20 years now and 2018 will be no exception. We expect another great day of racing, entertainment and retail therapy and look forward to welcoming visitors, returning and new."

And Ian Renton, Regional Director for The Jockey Club, South-West, said: "We are delighted to once again be hosting the Countryside Day at Cheltenham on 16 November. Over the years we have raised a huge amount of money for the Countryside Alliance and I am sure that this year will be no different. We will have a number of countryside themed activities before and during racing, along with six races to enjoy."

Tickets cost from £9 and are available from https://cheltenhamtickets.thejockeyclub.co.uk