CHICHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 30: General views on day three of the Qatar Goodwood Festival at Goodwood Racecourse on July 30, 2015 in Chichester, England. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Qatar Goodwood Festival)
Four racegoers were taken to hospital with serious injuries after a 50-person brawl erupted at Goodwood racecourse last weekend.
The fight broke out just before 5pm on Saturday (5 May), the first day of the racecourse’s summer fixtures list.
In ugly scenes caught on video and shared widely across social media, a person can be seen kicking another man in the side of the head as he lays on the floor.
“It is believed there were around 50 people involved, four people were taken to hospital with serious injuries and several others suffered minor injuries,” said a police spokesman yesterday (9 May), adding the investigation is ongoing.
“The four who were taken to hospital have since been discharged.
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“Anyone who witnessed the altercation is asked to report information online or by calling 101 quoting Operation Marshwood.
“Alternatively, you can visit the Crimestoppers website or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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Goodwood issued a statement on the evening of the brawl.
“Goodwood Racecourse was informed of a disturbance during this afternoon’s racing,” said a spokesman for the racecourse.
“The incident was dealt with by on-event security and Sussex Police were notified as a precaution.
“On-event medical staff treated six people and the racecourse is supporting Sussex Police with its on-going enquiries.
“Goodwood Racecourse wishes to apologise to any racegoer who was affected by this incident.”
H&H has contacted the racecourse to ask whether it will be making any changes to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future, and whether extra security would have helped on this occasion.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
