Aintree Countryside Raceday raises over £20,000 for The Countryside Alliance Foundation

The Countryside Alliance charity race held at Aintree's Countryside Day on Sunday 28^th October saw an emphatic victory for Lucy Felton, joint-master of the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale. Riding the eight-year-old Moabit trained by Paul Nicholls, Lucy came home 21 lengths clear of Rebecca Lloyd from the Holcombe country on Top Billing, with Polly Steel in third on Fiosrach. Jane Bowen, joint-master of the Grove & Rufford Hunt came fourth on Presenting Berkley.

A good crowd arrived early to watch the eight jockeys line up for the fourth running of the Countryside Alliance's race which raises funds for The Countryside Alliance Foundation (TCAF) which includes Fishing 4 Schools, Falconry for Schools and Casting for Recovery UK & Ireland.

Completing the line-up for the 1m5f Flat contest – many of whom were taking part in their first ever race – were Helen Westmoreland representing the Coniston, Sam Butler (Warwickshire), Andrew German (Cheshire Forest) and Pippa Taylor (Grafton).

As well as a full card of racing, featuring the Monet Garden's Old Roan Chase won by Bryony Frost on Frodon, there were a host of other activities that proved popular with families and regular racegoers alike including a novelty dog show and a countryside shopping village. The popular Lamb Grand National returned to the paddock much to the delight of the crowds who were also taking advantage of the blue skies and bright autumn sunshine.

At the sell-out lunch organised by the Countryside Alliance, more than 400 supporters welcomed the jockeys back to the Golden Miller Suite following their race where Lucy Felton and Sam Butler were both presented with a magnum of champagne for raising the most funds for the charity. More than £20,000 was pledged through sponsorship and the silent auction which took place throughout the day.

Following her victory Lucy said: "It was a huge thrill riding at Aintree on such a special horse but most of all it was a pleasure to be able to help raise important funds for the CA's charities. I hope to have raised £10,000 by the time I have finished."

Countryside Alliance's chief executive Tim Bonner spoke about the work of the Alliance before guests were invited to watch a video about the work of TCAF.