Police launch probe after drone crashes near Chepstow racecourse during Welsh Grand National meeting

Police launch probe after drone crashes near Chepstow racecourse during Welsh Grand National meeting

  • Drone crashed onto land belonging to Chepstow racecourse on Saturday 
  • Incident reignites safety concerns over drones being flown close to racetracks  
  • The pictures can used by or sold to punters who bet ‘in-running’ during the race 

Gwent Police have confirmed they are investigating an incident in which a drone crashed on to land belonging to Chepstow racecourse during Saturday’s Welsh Grand National meeting.

It is understood that no horses or jockeys were in danger but the matter will reignite safety concerns over drones being flown close to racetracks by people motivated by betting.

Racemail has highlighted how cameras mounted on drones are regularly flown around racecourses, with the pictures used by or sold to punters who bet ‘in-running’ during the race.

Chepstow incident has reignited safety concerns over drones being flown close to racetracks

The images give punters an advantage over those who use TV footage, which can have a time delay of several seconds.

Operators are not allowed to fly drones over racecourse land and a spokeswoman for Gwent Police said: ‘We are in touch with the racecourse about an incident involving a drone and enquiries are ongoing.’

A spokesman for Arena Racecourse Company, who own Chepstow, declined to comment.

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