Seven arrested after brawl at Guineas Festival
Seven men were arrested and two people injured on Saturday (2 May) following a brawl during the Guineas Festival at Newmarket racecourse.
The men were arrested after a fight broke out between two groups of racegoers in a marquee.
A female police officer and a racecourse security guard were injured.
The security guard hurt his hand during the incident and the officer twisted her knee after the brawl.
A spokesman for Suffolk Police said: “The officer’s injury occurred as she was carrying out inquiries following the affray, she twisted her knee and is receiving treatment. The injury was not as a result of an assault.”
The seven men were all between the ages of 17-30. Five came from Coventry, one from London and one from Essex. They have all been released on police bail, two to return to Bury Police Station on 19 June and five on 13 June.
Last week Newmarket racecourse signed up to the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme — to make the town and racecourse safer on racedays.
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The scheme allows the racecourse, EventGuard security and City and Suburban Parking to be granted selected powers by the chief constable to help police and manage the racemeeting.
Inspector Kim Warner, who was one of the officers in charge of policing the Guineas Festival, said: “The relationship between police and accredited staff this weekend was positive with good communication at every level.
“Police were well supported by both accredited and non-accredited staff during a disturbance on Saturday, helping to secure evidence and make arrests at an early stage. We will continue to work with all race course employees to encourage them to report any potential problems at future events.”
City and Suburban Parking Ltd received accreditation for traffic management and EventGuard was granted the power to take details for traffic offences and anti-social behaviour. They can also seize alcohol and tobacco from those underage.
Managing director of Newmarket Racecourses Stephen Wallis said: “Achieving this accreditation demonstrates the racecourse’s commitment to running safe events and to working within the spirit of an extended police family.”
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A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.