Hounds once again proved to be one of the major attractions at The Game Fair, as thousands of visitors gathered at Ragley Hall from 24 - 26 July to celebrate the rich heritage, breeding and working role of hunting hounds.

Throughout the three-day event, visitors enjoyed a packed programme of displays in the Main Arena and the popular Horses & Hounds Arena, where hunts from across the country showcased foxhounds, harriers, beagles, basset hounds, bloodhounds and deerhounds. Hounds were also on display in dedicated hunt kennels throughout the weekend, giving members of the public the opportunity to meet hunt staff, learn more about the different breeds and discover the important role hounds continue to play in the countryside.

The Main Arena commentary welcomed thousands of spectators, with Sam Butler, Vice Chairman of the Future for Hunting campaign, hosting proceedings on Friday, Polly Portwin from the Countryside Alliance taking the microphone on Saturday and Paul Scott, former master of the Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase on Sunday. Together they welcomed members of the public into the arena to learn more about hunting, hound breeding and the important role hunts continue to play in rural communities.

Friday's Main Arena programme featured the Croome & West Warwickshire, the RAC Beagles and the Farmers Bloodhounds. On Saturday, visitors enjoyed displays from the Worcestershire, the Warwickshire Beagles and the Three Counties Hounds, before Sunday's programme showcased the Kimblewick, the Ross Harriers and the Westerby Basset Hounds.

Across all three days, further packs also paraded twice daily in the Horses & Hounds Arena, ensuring visitors could experience an even wider variety of hounds. Friday featured the Cambridgeshire & Enfield Chace with Oakley, the Warwickshire and the Ormanstar Deerhounds. Saturday welcomed the Bicester with Whaddon Chase, the Hampshire Hunt and the Three Counties Hounds, while Sunday's displays included the Croome & West Warwickshire, the Farmers Bloodhounds and the Westerby Basset Hounds. The huntsman of the Croome & West Warwickshire also lead the Grand Parade on Sunday morning which also featured the Westerby Basset Hounds.

Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance, who coordinated the attendance of all the packs of hounds said: "The Game Fair provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase our hounds and engage with thousands of people who are keen to learn more about hunting and the vital role it plays in our countryside. Our sincere thanks go to the Game Fair for giving us this opportunity to fly the flag for hunting and to every hunt, huntsman, hunt staff member and volunteer who gave their time so generously over the weekend. Their enthusiasm, professionalism and passion for their hounds ensured visitors left with a greater understanding of the exceptional standards of care, breeding and animal welfare that lie at the heart of hunting. We look forward to returning again next year."

Hotly contested inter-hunt relay

One of the weekend's most eagerly anticipated attractions was the ever-popular Inter-Hunt Relay, with 12 teams battling it out in a thrilling competition which was coordinated by the Countryside Alliance’s Gail Taylor.

Following six fiercely contested heats, the four fastest teams progressed to the knockout semi-finals. The Ludlow booked their place in the final by overcoming the Ross Harriers, while the Worcestershire defeated the Albrighton in the second semi-final.

The final produced a superb display of fast, accurate riding, with the Worcestershire delivering a polished performance to claim victory. The Ludlow finished as worthy runners-up, followed by the Ross Harriers in third place and the Albrighton in fourth. Congratulations to the Worcestershire on a deserved victory, and sincere thanks to all 12 teams who took part in another fantastic competition.

Finale

As the inter-hunt relay prizes were awarded, the weekend continued to conclude in style on Sunday afternoon when the Croome & West Warwickshire joined the Kimblewick, the Ross Harriers and the Westerby Basset Hounds in the Main Arena for a memorable finale. The four huntsmen gave a stirring horn-blowing demonstration, bringing the curtain down on another outstanding celebration of hounds, hunting and countryside traditions.

The Game Fair continues to provide an invaluable opportunity to engage with thousands of members of the public, showcasing the very best of hound breeding, hunt staff and animal welfare, while demonstrating the significant contribution that hunts make to the countryside and rural communities. We look forward to doing it all again next year.