Hunting community to star in Downton Abbey

Fans of period drama Downton Abbey can look out for members of the hunting community in action in this Sunday’s (26 October) episode of the popular ITV show.

Members of the Kimblewick and Bicester with Whaddon Chase hunts were involved in filming a point-to-point scene at Kingston Blount in Oxfordshire in June.

Downton Abbey, which is now in its fifth season, is set in the mid 1920s, so extras had to dress up in period costume and ride side-saddle during the filming.

H&H’s hunting editor Polly Portwin took part.

“It involved three days of filming various scenes including action at the start and finish of the race, jumping fences as well as those in the paddock before and after the race,” she said.

“The camaraderie between the extras from the hunts and the main stars of the programme was great. It was also good to recognise the fact that point-to-pointing is still a sport that continues, many decades on from when Downton was set.”

With the new pointing season only a month away the Point-to-Point Association told H&H it was thrilled the sport was making an appearance.

“Its great that Downton devotees will get a window on the fun and excitement of our countryside sport, which is relevant and open to all — above and below stairs,” said Clare Hazell of the PPA.

Downton Abbey is shown at 9pm on ITV1.

Don’t miss H&H’s pointing special — out on 27 November.

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