Save the date: Countryside Day at Cheltenham, Friday 11th November 2022

The opening day of the November Meeting at Cheltenham Racecourse, on Friday, 11th November, will be Countryside Day again this year.

Countryside Day is one of the highlights of the National Hunt calendar for so many Alliance supporters. In addition to fantastic racing – which features the spectacular Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase – the day also offers a great opportunity to enjoy an array of Countryside Day entertainment, including the parade of hounds and hunt staff.

The Alliance will be welcoming members into its dedicated members-only area situated near 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 meet representatives from the Alliance. In addition, the Alliance will be hosting a fundraising lunch and silent auction. Whilst there will be a live auction on the day, the silent auction is now live and ready for bidding. You can make your bids here.

As well as being an important fundraiser for the Alliance, this year's event will also be supporting Cotswold Riding for the Disabled (RDA) which is one of the largest RDA groups in the country. Cotswold RDA was formed almost 60 years ago and has been based at Cheltenham Racecourse since 1982 where it has excellent facilities.

"Countryside Day continues to grow in popularity and really is a date not to be missed," enthused Polly Portwin, the Alliance's Director of the Campaign for Hunting. "We are so grateful to all those connected with Countryside Day at Cheltenham and we look forward to supporting Cotswold Riding for the Disabled and raising the profile of the great work that they do."

Lesley Gorton, the General Manager of Cotswold Riding for the Disabled said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be nominated as charity partner to the Countryside Alliance for the Countryside Day Race Meeting. Not only will this be a splendid opportunity for us to raise much-needed funds but will raise the profile of the amazing work we do."

This greatly anticipated day in the jump racing calendar returned to much acclaim last year for the first time since 2018 following abandonment in 2019 due to waterlogged ground, with racing behind closed doors due to Covid in 2020. Tickets are available to buy here.