All you need to know about Countryside Day at Cheltenham on Friday 11 November

The Countryside Alliance is looking forward to welcoming members and supporters on Countryside Day at Cheltenham Racecourse on Friday 11 November. Countryside Day opens Cheltenham's three-day November Festival and is one of the highlights of the National Hunt calendar for many of our supporters.

To help those going racing to make the most of the day we have collated some useful information below:

• Gates open at 10.30am with the first race scheduled at 1.10pm.
• Countryside Alliance members are welcome to visit the dedicated Countryside Alliance Members' Area which is situated in The Village in Marquee 4 (next to the Shopping Village). This wonderful facility provides a great base for the day, offering an opportunity to study the race card in comfort, buy refreshments and take advantage of the betting facilities available inside the marquee. View the full map here.
• A minute's silence to mark Remembrance Day and honour those that have fallen in past conflicts will take place at 11am.
• Guest tipster: We are delighted that racehorse trainer, Lawney Hill, will be going through the racecard at 12pm in the Countryside Alliance Members' Marquee, offering insight into the days' runners and riders. We recommend that you don't miss this great opportunity to pick up some tips and potentially back a winner.
• Silent auction: The Countryside Alliance silent auction closes at 4pm on race day. There are some fantastic lots available with something for all country sports enthusiasts including racing, hunting, shooting and fishing packages.
• Hound parade: in addition to the racing, there is an array of Countryside Day entertainment to enjoy, including the parade of hounds and hunt staff which will take place between the second and third races. The Cotswold hounds and hunt staff will lead the parade along with representatives from other local hunts across the area, all of whom are sure to be warmly-welcomed by the crowd.
• Retrained racehorses: the RoR Parade at 12.25pm in the parade ring will feature some equine stars who are now enjoying their retrained life after racing. These include the legendary Tiger Roll, back-to-back winner of the Grand National and a five times Festival winner, who will be inducted into Cheltenham's Hall of Fame.
• Christmas cards and gifts: our latest Christmas cards, calendars and other gift ideas will be available to purchase at our trade stand (number 51), located opposite the coffee shop and seating area inside Marquee 3 in the Shopping Village.

Every year The Countryside Alliance partners with a Charity and this year we are delighted to be supporting Cotswold Riding for the Disabled. Cotswold RDA was formed over 50 years ago and has been based at Cheltenham Racecourse since 1982. The Charity offers a variety of riding and non-riding activities to more than 150 children and adults living with a disability, in a supportive and safe environment.

We look forward to returning to Cheltenham on Friday for what promises to be another wonderful Countryside Day.