Countryside Day at Cheltenham last Friday, 14 November, may have been marked by relentless rain, but the monsoon-like downpours failed to dampen the spirits of those who attended. Racegoers, supporters, volunteers and hunt representatives all showed remarkable commitment in braving the conditions to make the day a success.
The event featured thrilling racing – which most people enjoyed while sheltering from the rain rather than in the stands - but a standout moment for many was the meet in the Parade Ring at 11 am, showcasing the RAU Beagles, foxhounds from the North Cotswold Hunt, the Cotley Harriers along with the Woolaston and Leadon Vale Basset Hounds. Although much of the crowd was taking shelter, Cheltenham TV featured the entire parade, with interviews with representatives from each of the packs that brought their hounds along, and commentary about those who were mounted.
ITV Racing’s Ed Chamberlin once again added to the excitement, opening the November Meeting coverage while holding two couple of hounds, undeterred by the driving rain. Filming took place during the parade with the other hounds and some of the mounted representatives making an appearance in the opening part of the coverage.
Mounted representatives from the following packs were given an especially heartfelt and well-deserved round of applause as they circled the Parade Ring in the wet: Duke of Beaufort’s, Berkeley, Bicester with Whaddon Chase, Croome and West Warks, Heythrop, Ledbury, Ross Harriers and Worcestershire. Their willingness to turn out and parade in such testing conditions was widely admired and much appreciated by all.
The annual Countryside Day fundraising lunch, chaired by Christopher Hodgson who is stepping down from the role after four years at the helm, once again proved a highlight with the marquee a welcome refuge from the weather. A lively auction, conducted by Sam Butler, invited bids on an array of exceptional items. The lunch and auction raised vital funds for the Alliance and our charity partner, which this year was the Injured Jockeys Fund.
The Alliance’s Chairman, Nick Herbert, expressed his gratitude to the lunch committee, as well as to the generous donors who contributed to the auctions, particularly given the challenging conditions. Reflecting on the importance of unity at a time of continuing pressure on the countryside, Lord Herbert emphasised the need for all those who enjoy country pursuits, racing and other equestrian activities to stand together in support of farming and rural communities.
Polly Portwin, the Alliance’s Director of the Campaign for Hunting, praised everyone involved in supporting the day, including the volunteers who assisted on the Alliance’s Christmas card stand within the members’ area, and to those who stood in the pouring rain collecting change from racegoers as they left the course, raising funds for the Hunt Staff Benefit Society. 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 the Injured Jockeys Fund. We are especially thankful to the hunts that participated in the hound display and parade, and to all those who turned out in such appalling weather to help in whatever capacity. This commitment enabled us to underscore the enduring connection between lawful hunting activities and National Hunt racing, even in truly testing conditions. We are already looking forward to returning next year.”
Throughout the day, the Alliance’s marquee provided much-needed shelter as well as a welcoming space for hundreds of members to meet Chief Executive Tim Bonner and other representatives.