Cheltenham Festival issues statement following violent altercation
Cheltenham Festival have issued a statement after a violent altercation broke out inside a betting shop during day one of Cheltenham Festival, reports BritPanorama.
Footage of the disturbance rapidly spread across social media, showing multiple individuals exchanging blows within the bookmakers, as bystanders attempted to separate those involved in the fracas. The footage has been shared nearly 300 times on the platform.
A spokesman for the iconic racecourse condemned the actions of those involved on what is traditionally one of British racing’s most celebrated occasions. The statement read: “Our focus is always on providing safe and enjoyable experiences for all our racegoers and we operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of antisocial behaviour.”
“There was an isolated incident yesterday involving a small number of racegoers which was dealt with quickly by our security team on site. Police based at the racecourse attended but no arrests were made. Millions of people enjoy a day at the races every year while behaving perfectly safely and responsibly.”
Despite the scale of the brawl, no arrests were made. The melee took place during the 3:20 PM Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase, which saw Johnnywho claim victory. Jockey Richie McLernon guided the horse trained by Jonjo and AJ O’Neill to triumph over the three-mile-one-furlong distance, with well-fancied Jagwar settling for the runner-up position.
Quebecois completed the frame in third place. The winning jockey expressed his satisfaction with the performance, stating, “I travelled nicely through the race, thought the ground was a little quick. Everything just unfolded for me; jumped when I needed him to and he answered every call. So absolutely thrilled.” The festival continues today with Ladies Day making a much-anticipated return.
