At 80 years old, devoted racing fan John Bailey from Carlisle embarked on a poignant 300-mile journey from Cumbria to Bath Racecourse to revisit cherished memories of his honeymoon with his late wife, Ann, exactly 40 years ago.
John’s last visit to the Lansdown course was in 1986, the year he and Ann celebrated their wedding before choosing Bath as their honeymoon destination. Avid horse racing enthusiasts, they spent a memorable day at Bath Racecourse, along with visits to iconic sites like the Royal Crescent and Bath Abbey.
Thirteen years after Ann’s passing, John had not returned to the racecourse until recently. To mark the significance of the occasion, he wrote a heartfelt letter to Bath Racecourse staff explaining his connection to the venue. Deeply moved, the team welcomed him as their guest of honour for a race day, treating him with hospitality and respect.
John was interviewed in the parade ring ahead of the races and enjoyed exclusive access to the owners' and trainers' lounge. More than VIP treatment, this day offered him a precious chance to relive one of the happiest moments of his life.
He fondly recalled Ann’s remarkable success on that honeymoon day, when she backed five winning horses at the racecourse’s betting ring. “The bookmaker even joked, ‘Oh no – not you again!’ when she came to collect her winnings the fifth time,” John shared with a smile. Although John had a few winners himself this trip, he joked that Ann must have been the better tipster.
The six-hour train ride from Carlisle to Bath did not deter him. “It was a lovely trip to rekindle fabulous memories from 40 years ago,” he said. “Bath Racecourse was extremely kind and welcoming, making me feel very special. It was a day I’ll never forget — just like my first visit there on honeymoon.”
Sport has played a large role throughout John’s life. From amateur football to half marathons well into his sixties, his love of horse racing remains strong. Today, he is a familiar face at races in Carlisle, Hamilton, Catterick, and Wetherby.
Bath Racecourse executive director Hannah Chree expressed how honoured the staff felt to host John. “It was a pleasure to see him as our guest of honour in the parade ring,” she said. “His visit perfectly captures what’s so special about horse racing – how it connects people and helps create lasting, beautiful memories.”
For John Bailey, Bath is far more than just a racecourse. Four decades after beginning his married life there, it became a place to celebrate and remember the love he shared with Ann during one of his most joyful days.