News
Cheltenham Countryside Day - help raise funds for Tokyo 2020
- Written By: British Dressage
- Published: Tue, 12 Nov 2019 18:09
The Cheltenham Countryside Day is a firm favourite in many equestrian’s yearly diary – not only for the exceptional racing which kicks of ‘The November Meeting’ at the iconic racing venue but also the host of entertainment and countryside interests. This year is extra special as the day will be fundraising not only for the Countryside Alliance but also the crucial British Equestrian Federation Fund (BEFF).
BEFF supplements the funding the World Class Programme receives from the National Lottery from UK Sport. While the funding is extremely generous, the costs of sending our four teams to Tokyo 2020 is considerable which makes this fundraising opportunity essential.
Two dressage highlights in the morning’s proceedings include a dressage lesson for racing legend Sir Anthony McCoy from none other than our double Olympic medal winning rider Laura Tomlinson at 11:25 in the main parade ring and then a special appearance by Valegro parading alongside fellow Rio Olympians Big Star, the gold medal ride of Nick Skelton in 2016 and Chilli Morning who competed under William Fox-Pitt at 11.45.
The gates open at 10:30 and the first race is at 12:40 – what a day it promises to be! Tickets start at just £9, further information and how to buy tickets are available from the Cheltenham website.
BD's Vice President Desi Dillingham is Chair of the BEFF committee and she’s been an essential part of pulling together one of the best silent auctions ever hosted for the fundraising day alongside the Countryside Alliance. Our riders, owners and friends of the sport have really pulled out all the stops to make this an outstanding success and Team GBR would love your support. Many of the lots are ‘money can’t buy’ experiences – and all for such a great cause – you’ll be helping our athletes to medal glory!
Lots include:
- A morning with Laura Tomlinson
- Spend the day with Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin
- Own three racehorses with Cheltenham Syndicate
- Piston Gin experience
- Declutter your wardrobe with top stylist Jane Marsh
- Charter flight for eight
- A week for eight in a gorgeous holiday home in rural France
- Strictly Come Dancing 2020 – meet the stars
Plus plenty more – if you love racing, there are a number of ‘morning on the gallops with’ packages up for bidding.
Plus some live lots on the day during the annual lunch (sold out) including;
- a private box at Olympia
- at home with Zara & Mike Tindall and AP & Chanelle McCoy including lunch for four
- Dinner for eight at Cirencester Park hosted by Team GBR - including William Fox-Pitt, Ben Maher and Spencer Wilton
- Hell’s Kitchen in your own home
- Two weeks exploring in Northern Rajasthan
Proxy votes can be made if you're not attending the lunch.
There are some really special packages – all generously donated – so get bidding! Hurry as the silent auction closes at 4pm on Friday 15 November.
