A DORSET horse event has been voted the best in the country for its trade stands, access and entertainment.

The annual Savills Countryside Alliance Point to Point at Badbury Rings received the accolade from Horse & Hound magazine.

This year’s event will be held on Sunday, February 22 with several brand new attractions announced, including a new feature race.

The inaugural Bonhams Wessex National Men’s Open Race will feature alongside the Countryside Alliance Apprentice ship/Work Experience online auction.

This auction will feature many aspects of country pursuits and farming donated by supporters.

Last year’s Countryside Alliance Point to Point saw record entries and 121 runners on the day, more than at any point to point run nationally during the season.

Top runners and riders have raced at the event, including former Gold Cup and Grand National horse What a Friend, Gold Cup winning jockey Sam Waley-Cohen, and runner-up in the 2010 Champion Hurdle, Khyber Kim.

The event is designed to appeal to families and those who love the countryside, with country crafts, local food stalls, a shopping village, and a parade of the Wilton Hounds also featuring at the event.

Sophie Henderson, chairman of Countryside Alliance Point to Point, said: “We are delighted that Savills is again sponsoring the Badbury Rings Point to Point, which is so important in the Countryside Alliance calendar in Wessex.

“Last year their superb marquee with special platform for guests, offered unparallel views of the racing. We are really pleased to win so many votes of confidence from Horse & Hound magazine and, having had such a successful 2014 in terms of entries and visitors, we are confident that our new attractions will draw even bigger attendance.”

The event’s chosen charity this year is the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

For more information on the hospice’s care, please visit: http://www.weld-hospice.org.uk Gates will open at 9am at this year’s event, with terrier racing beginning at 10am, and the first race following afterwards at 12pm. Entry costs £15 per pedestrian, £20 per car with single occupant and £25 per car with more than one occupant.