Chaos at Haydock Park racecourse as 50-MAN brawl breaks out during final race with woman and toddler caught in the middle of horrendous fight
- A shocking fight broke out at Haydock Park on Saturday evening
- The brawl is thought to have included around 50 people at the racecourse
- A witness said that a woman and a toddler were caught up in the incident
- Twitter users branded the scenes ‘disgusting’ and ‘traumatic’ for those around
Officials from the Jockey Club were in discussions with the police on Saturday night after woman and a child were caught up in an ugly brawl involving an estimated 50 people just before the final race at Haydock.
An eyewitness, who said there had been a simmering atmosphere during the afternoon, said that a woman and toddler appeared to be caught up in the fight which broke out on the lawn in front of the main grandstand. A bench was also knocked over.
The fight continued as the final race started.
The Jockey Club have announced an inquiry into a 50-man brawl at Haydock Park on Saturday
Punches were thrown and a witness said a woman and toddler were caught in the middle of it
The fight spilled over to a nearby bench where a woman appeared to be holding a toddler
The woman and toddler (circled) watched on in fear as the fight veered over towards them
A Haydock Park spokesman, said: ‘We take a zero tolerance position on antisocial behaviour. The perpetrators were ejected at the time and we are continuing to work with the Police on this matter.’
It is unclear what caused the melee but instigators appeared to be subdued and are led off by course officials.
One user on Twitter, Julie Stamper, said: ‘Disgusting behaviour at Haydock Park Racecourse this afternoon. Total lack of security G4.
‘Looks like Police arrived a good 25 minutes later. Horrifying and traumatic for everyone around including children.’
Another, Chris Cooper, said: ‘Can’t get my head around fighting at horse racing it’s not the place 4 (sic) it. How lucky that baby wasn’t in the push chair.’
While Ricky Lomax wrote in response to the video: ‘Feel sorry for the mum with her kid, watching that pram get knocked about f****** cowards.’
Martin Morris wrote to Haydock Park on Twitter, saying: ‘Never coming again with the family with all the men fighting out of order, you should have more security on.’
Racing has been on high alert for violence after ugly scenes last year at both Ascot and Goodwood.
The brawl gathered momentum and dozens of racegoers joined the melee in a short time