Thousands gather at Cheltenham Countryside Day for start of November Meeting

Thousands of Countryside Alliance members and supporters gathered at Cheltenham Racecourse on Friday, 15 November, to celebrate Countryside Day, with hounds and hunt staff taking centre stage before the day’s racing began.

The event featured six thrilling races, but a standout moment for many attendees was the meet in the Parade Ring at 11a.m, showcasing the RAC Beagles and hounds from the North Cotswold Hunt. ITV Racing’s Ed Chamberlin added to the excitement, opening the November Meeting coverage for the second consecutive year while holding two couple of hounds, surrounded by beagles.

Mounted representatives from the following packs – some riding borrowed horses - were given a rousing applause as they circled the Parade Ring: Duke of Beaufort’s, Berkeley, Bicester with Whaddon Chase, Croome and West Warks, Heythrop, Ledbury, Ross Harriers and Worcestershire.

The annual Countryside Day fundraising lunch, chaired by Christopher Hodgson, featured a lively auction conducted by Sam Butler, chairman of the Warwickshire Hunt, who invited bids on an array of exceptional items. The lunch and auction raise vital funds for the Alliance and a charity partner, which this year was Racing Welfare. The charity’s chairman, Nick Bannister, thanked those attending for their support and also Cheltenham Racecourse for their generosity.

The Alliance’s Chairman, Nick Herbert, expressed his gratitude to Christopher Hodgson and his committee, as well as to the generous donors who contributed to the auctions. Reflecting on the importance of unity following the General Election and ahead of the farmers’ protest [which took place on 19 November], Lord Herbert emphasised the need for all those who enjoy country pursuits, racing and other equestrian activities to stand together in support of the farming and rural communities.

Polly Portwin, the Alliance’s Director of the Campaign for Hunting, praised everyone involved in making the day a success, including the volunteers who assisted on the trade stand across the three-day race meeting. She also extended thanks to Cheltenham Racecourse for their ongoing support, stating:

“Countryside Day is a highlight of our calendar, and we are incredibly grateful to Cheltenham Racecourse for helping us raise vital funds to protect and promote the rural way of life, as well as supporting Racing Welfare. We are especially thankful to the hunts that participated in the hound display and parade - as well as those who very kindly lent their horses for the occasion - enabling us to underscore the enduring connection between lawful hunting activities and National Hunt racing. We eagerly anticipate returning in 2025.”

As part of a number of other countryside-related displays taking place before racing, Charles Jardine, founder of The Countryside Alliance Foundation’s Fishing for Schools project, delighted the crowds with a fly-fishing demonstration in the Parade Ring.

Throughout the day, hundreds of members visited the Alliance’s marquee, which provided a welcoming space to meet Chief Executive Tim Bonner and other representatives. The trade stand, offering Christmas cards, calendars, and gifts, was also popular, thanks to the dedicated volunteers who supported the three-day November meeting.