Cheltenham Countryside Day a great success

The Cheltenham Countryside Race Day, on 13 November, was a fantastic success, raising £59,000 for Equestrian Team GBR and another £113,179 for the Countryside Alliance.

The funds raised for the British Equestrian Federation will support our equestrian athletes, across dressage, show jumping, eventing and para-dressage, as they prepare for this year's Olympic Games and Paralympics.

Equestrian performance director Dan Hughes commented; "We are hugely indebted to the generosity of the British racing public in helping to support our Olympic and Paralympic equestrian teams this year.

"The monies raised at Cheltenham for the Countryside Alliance and the British equestrian teams are truly astonishing and I would like to thank everyone for their support, not only on the day itself, but throughout the year.

"The teams are now gearing up for what will be an exhilarating summer of sport in Rio and your support will further enable our British athletes and horses to have the best possible preparation ahead of the Games."

And Countryside Alliance chief executive Tim Bonner, said: "The Cheltenham Countryside Race Day is always a great day out but was all the more special this year because of the attendance of our prospective Olympic and Paralympic riders. We wish them the very best of luck for success at Rio."

Race-goers were treated to a unique demonstration as racing met dressage, when AP McCoy took the reins of the Grand Prix dressage horse Barolo, under the careful tutelage of Olympic champion Charlotte Dujardin. F

Further fundraising activities on the day saw eventing athletes Tina Cook, Izzy Taylor and Kitty King ride out onto the course as part of the Hound Parade, with a number of auctions and fundraising activity organised by the Countryside Alliance taking place throughout the day.

The 2016 Open Meeting will be held from 11th-13th November, with Countryside Day acting as the curtain-raiser on Friday 11th November.