At 80 years old, John Bailey from Carlisle undertook a poignant 300-mile journey from Cumbria to Bath Racecourse, revisiting the place where he and his late wife, Ann, shared a joyful honeymoon 40 years ago. This emotional pilgrimage marked his first visit to Bath Racecourse since 1986 and served as a touching tribute to Ann, who passed away 13 years ago.
John and Ann, both passionate horse racing fans, had chosen Bath for their honeymoon shortly after their 1986 wedding. Their special trip included a day spent at the Lansdown racecourse, as well as visits to iconic city landmarks such as the Royal Crescent and Bath Abbey. Though John had not returned since, the memories of that day remained vivid.
Moved by the significance of the visit, John reached out to Bath Racecourse with a heartfelt handwritten letter explaining his attachment to the venue. The staff were deeply touched and welcomed him as their guest of honor during last week’s fixture, treating him to VIP hospitality in the owners’ and trainers’ lounge and an interview in the parade ring.
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For John, the visit was more than just special treatment. It was a chance to relive one of the happiest moments in his life. He still keeps the racecard and betting slips from that honeymoon day, recalling how Ann remarkably backed five winning horses—a feat that amused the local bookmakers.
John fondly remembers, “Ann backed five winners that day in 1986. On the fifth time she went to collect her winnings, the bookmaker joked, ‘Oh no—not you again!’” Although John’s own bets didn’t match Ann’s success, the experience of returning to Bath was its own reward.
Despite the long six-hour train journey, John said, “It was a lovely trip to rekindle some fabulous memories from 40 years ago. Bath Racecourse was extremely kind and welcoming and made me feel very special. It was a day I will never forget—just like my first visit there on honeymoon.”
An active sportsman throughout his life, John’s love of horse racing has remained steadfast. He is now a familiar face at meetings in Carlisle, Hamilton, Catterick, and Wetherby, continuing his lifelong connection to the sport.
Hannah Chree, executive director of Bath Racecourse, shared, “We were delighted to host John and help him reignite such wonderful memories of his honeymoon and his last visit here. He is a wonderful gentleman, and having him as our guest of honor was a true pleasure. His story perfectly illustrates why horse racing connects so many people and creates lasting memories.”
For John Bailey, Bath is much more than a racecourse. It stands as a lasting monument to love, legacy, and the enduring joy of shared moments, 40 years after that unforgettable honeymoon day.