Countryside Day

Friday featuring Countryside Day launches The November Meeting with a unique country fair atmosphere

Look at what happened in 2018 and check back soon as we're already starting to think about 2019.

The November Meeting commences with Friday featuring Countryside Day, a tradition dating back over two decades where money is raised for the Countryside Alliance and Racing Welfare.

Held on Friday November 16 this year, Countryside Day launches The November Meeting and is a celebration of the rural landscape. Alongside the incredible racing action, there’s a host of countryside interests to keep you entertained, from sheep herding demonstrations to hound parades, as well as the popular shopping village – the perfect place to pick up Christmas gifts or a new look for The Festival™ presented by Magners in March. With over 80 retailers stocking wares and fashion, there’s something for even the most discerning shopper. Post racing, there’s a chance to pick up a future star in the Tattersalls Ireland Cheltenham November Sale.

This year’s raceday looks set to be as exciting as ever with a number of different Countryside themed events taking place before and during racing.

It wouldn’t be Countryside Day without a demonstration from working gun dogs. The dogs, along with ferrets and a hawk will be in the paddock between 11.10 -11.30 and on the members lawn between 12.10 -12.30.

Alice Plunkett, the ITV Racing presenter, will be taking part in a side saddle demonstration in the paddock at 11.30. Alice will showcase this traditional way of riding, normally by female riders, and explain the difference between side saddle and normal saddle as well as the history of side saddle.

Other displays during the day will be Denius Parson is an architectural chainsaw sculptor based locally in Painswick, Gloucestershire. He creates bespoke sculptures and wooden buildings from wood, including tree trunks and large prices of beautifully patterned wood. Based in the Guinness Village between 11.30 and 12.15 Denius will be showcasing this unique art form.

Another four legged breed will be racing on the day. As well as the six horseraces, a pack of trail hounds will race on the course before the first race. Hound trailing is a race between hounds along an artificially laid scent trail. Popular in northern England and Scotland, hound trailing originated in the 18th century as a means of various hunt masters testing their fox hounds against each other in match races. There will be a presentation after the race to the winning hound in the parade ring by Gamegoer Gundogs.

It is a longstanding Countryside Day tradition that after the second race, a number of hunts from the south west and midlands will be on course, along with the Cotswold hounds. Racegoers are welcome to join the packs on the racecourse, ground conditions permitting.

Come along for a fantastic day of racing, with bars and restaurants open to suit all palettes throughout the day. As well as our famous Shopping Village for you to start that Christmas Shopping. With exhibitors including the stylish Fairfax & Favor, the customisable Will Bees Bespoke and the adventurous Bredon Hill Shooting, we are confident that there is something for everyone.

The popular Guinness Village will be open for Club/Tatts Enclosure ticket holders for live music and an atmosphere like no other, with live music performed on the course throughout the day. Our line up on Countryside Day includes The Hipcats, The Lucky 15's and Taylor and the Masons. After racing, the famous Final Flight bar returns to continue the party with more live music from Tommy and the Fuse.