Hound parades, displays, and a competitive inter-hunt relay ensured that hunting was well-represented throughout the three-day Game Fair held at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire over the weekend (25-27 July). Crowds assembled around both the Main Arena and the Horse and Hound Arena throughout the three days whenever there was any hunting-related activity, with younger visitors particularly enthusiastic to have a cuddle with hounds.
Packs of harriers, beagles, foxhounds, minkhounds, bloodhounds, and harriers paraded in the main ring, with two opportunities each day for Game Fair visitors of all ages to greet the hounds and learn more about trail hunting and other forms of exempt hunting. With commentary from Paul Scott, the chairman of the Stowe Beagles, on Friday, Sam Butler (chairman of the Warwickshire Hunt) on Saturday, and the Alliance’s Polly Portwin on Sunday, the crowds were given updates on the current political situation and were encouraged to support the work of the Countryside Alliance in protecting hunts and hounds for the future. Attendees were also urged to mark their calendars for the British Hound Sports Association’s national trail hunting day, scheduled for Friday 10 October.
In the Horse and Hound ring, two additional hound parades took place each day. Spectators were invited to greet the hounds and enjoyed a horn-blowing demonstration. The packs involved in these parades - beagles, basset hounds, bloodhounds, and foxhounds - also showcased their hounds in shaded pens throughout the day, with hunt staff and other representatives on hand to welcome visitors and offer an insight into keeping a pack of hounds.
Hordes of children across the three days enjoyed “racing” the hounds around the Main Arena following the foot packs. During the parades, there were also light-hearted but informative interviews with professional and amateur huntsmen, with the horn-blowing demonstrations particularly appreciated by the crowds.
On Sunday afternoon, at the end of the final hound parade which featured five packs in total, the Ross Harriers gave a trail hunting demonstration to the crowd assembled around the Main Arena. Trail-layer, James Smith, ran around the course dragging a rag infused with the scent used by the Ross Harriers – which includes a mixture of an artificial wildlife repellent, human urine and cooking oil. Huntsman Alice Griffin then laid the hounds onto the scent which they then swiftly hunted around the arena in full cry, much to the delight of those who had waited to watch the spectacle.
Polly Portwin, the Alliance’s Director of the Campaign for Hunting, expressed gratitude to all those who helped showcase hounds and hunts during the three-day event: “The summer is always a busy time of year for everyone, but events like the Game Fair provide the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the pride we have in our packs of hounds and explain more about our lawful hunting activities. We are immensely grateful to everyone who gave up their time to showcase their hounds – and trail-hunting - to the public while demonstrating the high standards of horse and hound welfare maintained in kennels at all times. We look forward to seeing hounds return to Ragley Hall again for the Game Fair in 2026.”
Inter-hunt relay action
On Sunday afternoon, 10 hunt teams participated in the inter-hunt relay, with the fastest four teams qualifying for the semi-finals. The mirror-image courses, designed by Simon Grundy, caused few major dramas, though competitors had to negotiate the “bridge” obstacle, which featured twice on the course. Many incurred penalties for failing to follow the “walk only” rule on this challenging section, with those first past the post often not recording the quickest times overall once the penalties had been added.
The Carmarthenshire Hunt secured their spot in the semi-finals as the fastest qualifiers across the five heats. The other three fastest rounds were recorded by the Cotswold Vale, Cambs & Enfield Chace, and the Staff College Draghounds, finalising the line-up for the semi-finalists.
In the first semi-final, the Cambs & Enfield Chace narrowly beat the Staff College Draghounds, while in the second, the Cotswold Vale triumphed over the Carmarthenshire team. Commentator “Spike” Milligan rallied the crowd for the final, where the Cotswold Vale clinched victory ahead of the Cambs & Enfield Chace. The Staff College Draghounds, based on their semi-final times, secured third place, just ahead of the Carmarthenshire in fourth.
The victorious Cotswold Vale team of Liv Dawkins, Mia Short, and Jessica Fairbairn, were presented with a stunning trophy in front of the Members’ Stand at the Game Fair, along with goody bags provided by the Countryside Alliance for the first four teams, and rosettes for all participants.