In the latest instalment of his Clerk’s Column, Bath Racecourse clerk of the course Ben Hicks writes exclusively for the Bath Echo.
The weekend of 13th/14th September saw the track host our 2-day fixture. In total, 174 horses and ponies took part, and the weather ensured the two days could hardly have been more different.
The opener on Saturday featured a full eight-race card. Forecasters had warned of showers, but apart from one brief downpour, they largely passed Bath by. With its exposed, breezy position and little significant watering throughout the summer, the track dried steadily during the afternoon and following race 3, I changed the official going to Good To Soft.
Nearly 90 runners contested the card, a healthy figure that tested the surface fully. Credit is due to the grounds team, who immediately set about repairing divots and moving rail once racing concluded, with the familiar tones of The Wurzles being echoed down to the bottom bend, no doubt adding to the team’s motivation!
This adjusted layout provided a stretch of 4-5 yards of fresh ground for the following day around the bend and up a significant stretch of our home straight – this was appreciated by trainers and jockeys as they prepared for the worsening forecast on day 2.
Sunday opened with two pony races, staged just as light rain began to fall. Both contests were run in good spirits and were well received by the crowd. These young riders – many already attached to racing yards – showcased their talent and enthusiasm, hinting at careers to come. It was a reassuring reminder that the sport’s next generation is already coming through, many of whom may well be back at Bath in the future as fully fledged professionals.
Testing Ground for the Feature Finals
From lunchtime onward, the rain set in. Persistent and sometimes heavy, it softened the going to Soft following race 1, and Heavy after race 3. By the time the feature contests arrived, the surface required gritty determination and stamina emphisised performances.
The Stayers Series Final, a 1m 6f contest, posed an even stronger test of stamina than normal, given the conditions. Local trainer Jeremy Scott, best known for his jumps string and already on the 2025 Cheltenham Festival roll of honour, saddled Fair Dinkum to a brave success.
For Scott, the win marked another demonstration of his versatility across codes, and for the horse, it was due reward for sticking resolutely to his task in the mud. This time of year often sees more jump trainers running horses at Bath over staying trips as they prepare for the upcoming jumps season.
Later came the Bath Sprint Series Final, which went to Cindy Lou Who. She relished the testing conditions and stretched clear impressively, for what was her third win at Bath this season, one of which was on completing contrasting Firm ground! For trainer Tony Carroll, it was part of a notable double on the day, further enhancing his reputation for preparing sprinters to handle all terrains.
Reflections on the Weekend
Across both days, the total of 174 participants contested racing in conditions we often see as we approach the Autumnal months. Saturday’s more forgiving conditions were welcomed; whereas Sunday showed Bath at its most uncompromising, with fog whirling around amongst the rain, thankfully not descending to any detrimental effect. Yet the common thread was resilience – of horses, riders, trainers and the team behind the scenes.
For Tony Carroll, Jeremy Scott, and the winners of the other 13 races, it was a weekend to remember. For the youngsters in the pony races, it was a weekend to dream.
And for everyone else – staff, jockeys, trainers, owners and punters alike – it was a reminder that Bath’s unique character brings the ability to surprise, challenge and entertain in equal measure.
