Bloody noses and bruised knuckles – these were the latest fashion accessories for some men at the races at Aintree’s Ladies Day, near Liverpool.
Celebrities including Olympic field hockey player Sam Quek and former footballer Michael Owen enjoyed the second day of the Randox Grand National Festival on Friday.
But, the day also saw the arrests of three men, and criticism from an animal rights group following the death of a horse.
Fighting broke out on The Mound standing area beyond the grandstands, getting out of control within seconds.
Dressed in suits and ties, at least five men were spotted exchanging punches, and one of them even had to be restrained.
One racegoer – with blood gushing from his mouth and teeth – was pictured moments away from launching his first at another.
Meanwhile, a man was seen grabbing the neck of another man in a navy suit.
It is understood this was a very small group of people who all knew each other.
Police were called to the scene at around 2.45pm and one racegoer was treated on site for minor injuries.
A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: ‘Three men have been arrested on suspicion of affray following a report of a fight at the front of the Princess Royal Stand today.’
The force also said three drones had been seized after being flown in restricted airspace over the festival.
The operators were located and the aircraft seized, while another operator was given ‘advice’.
Chief Inspector Iain Wyke, in charge of the policing operation for the event, said: ‘This incident demonstrated the excellent detection work by officers who were able to swiftly identify the operators and seize the equipment.
‘Please be mindful that airspace restrictions will remain in place for the duration of the event, and if we suspect a drone is being flown in the restricted area, then we will take action.
‘If you commit an offence and fly a drone within the restricted area without permission, your equipment may be seized, and you may render yourself liable to prosecution.’
Away from the fight, the first race of the day saw horse Giovinco fall at the final fence and suffer a fatal injury.
In the last race of the day Pikar suffered a heavy fall and organisers confirmed the injuries were fatal.
An Aintree spokesperson said: ‘Pikar was immediately attended by expert veterinary professionals during the seventh race of the day, but sadly passed away following a fall at the second last hurdle.
‘Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections.’
But Ben Newman, from Animal Rising – a group which protested at last year’s Grand National, said: ‘This latest death shows the industry’s so-called “welfare” changes are nothing but a cynical PR stunt.
‘The horses are raced to the extreme limits of what they are capable of, time and time again.
‘No wonder we have witnessed yet another tragic death on the track. These horses will not be safe until all racing stops.’
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