There’s always a sense of anticipation ahead of the opening meeting of the season at Bath Racecourse, but I have to say, even by our standards, last Sunday felt particularly special.
After a long winter, you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get - weather, field sizes, the crowd -but from the moment the gates opened, it was clear we were in for a big day.
In the end, we welcomed around 5,000 people through the gates, and once the early showers cleared, we were left with a bright, breezy afternoon that really set the tone.
What struck me most was the atmosphere.
As the runners went down to post for the first race, there was a genuine roar from the crowd - almost a “mini Cheltenham” moment.
It’s something you don’t take for granted, and after the off-season, it was fantastic to hear that buzz back around the place.
From a racing perspective, the day couldn’t have gone much smoother.
We staged eight races and, remarkably, didn’t have a single non-runner. To clear 93 runners from 143 entries at this time of year is hugely satisfying and speaks volumes about the conditions we were able to provide.
The ground was described as good, good-to-firm in places - fair, consistent, and suitable for all types of horses -and we had plenty of positive feedback from trainers and jockeys alike.
The feature race, the British EBF Lansdown Fillies’ Stakes, was a real highlight. A field of 14, including runners from Ireland, gave it a proper competitive feel, and the finish didn’t disappoint.
Azure Angel just got up in a photo to deny the ever-consistent Cindy Lou Who, who has been such a great servant to the track.
It’s exactly the sort of race you want on an opening day - competitive, high quality, and exciting right to the line.
Off the track, it was just as pleasing. Hospitality was full, the entertainment added to the occasion, and there was a real sense that people were enjoying themselves.
That’s ultimately what we’re here for - giving racegoers a great experience from start to finish.
One of the aspects I was most keen to see in action was the newly refurbished weighing room, which was in use for the first time following its winter redevelopment.
We’re working within a 200-year-old building, so it wasn’t without its challenges, but I’m delighted with how it’s turned out.
More importantly, the feedback from jockeys has been overwhelmingly positive.
The improved layout, the new rest areas, and the upgraded warm-up and physio facilities have all gone down very well.
It was particularly pleasing to hear such strong comments about the enhanced female jockeys’ changing area, from someone like leading jockey, Hollie Doyle.
That’s an area we really wanted to improve, and to hear it’s made a difference means a lot.
Modern racing demands modern facilities, and if a jockey is riding in the first and the last, they need somewhere comfortable to relax and prepare in between.
I think we’ve achieved that, and it’s a big step forward for the racecourse.
Looking ahead, we don’t have long to wait before we do it all again.
Our next fixture is an evening meeting on Friday, April 17, and based on the feedback from Sunday, we’re expecting another competitive card.
A few trainers have already indicated they’ll be coming back, which is always a good sign.
Sunday was a real team effort behind the scenes, and it was rewarding to see all that preparation pay off.
If it’s a sign of what’s to come, then we’re in for an exciting season ahead—with plenty more to look forward to at Bath.
Photograph by Darren Cool
