LIFE bans from the sport for thick, selfish hooligans fighting at racecourses. No question, no doubt, just do it.
After racing on Saturday a large group brawled with security in one of Newmarket’s bar areas, having spilled into there after trouble began near the betting ring.
The response from Newmarket was pathetic. Tracks have to get real fast and start taking responsibility.
A Newmarket racecourse spokesperson said: “There was an isolated disturbance after racing had concluded, which was quickly dealt with by security.
“The matter was referred to Suffolk Police as such behaviour is unacceptable. Otherwise, nearly 7,000 spectators enjoyed a fantastic day at Newmarket without incident.”
A disturbance? This alone shows no understanding what it’s like to be stuck in the middle of one of these fights.
I know this for a fact, because I took video footage when I was next to a group of lads smashing each other in at another racecourse this season during one of the late night gigs after racing.
Drunken fights are often the worst, as those involved lose all sense of what is going on.
I spent twenty minutes that evening protecting my girlfriend from getting boxed in the face. Disturbance? Ha. It’s thuggery.
Anyone fighting should be hauled in front of police. Names taken. Pictures taken. Lifetime bans. No excuse.
It should be lifetime because these fights will put others off for a lifetime. It’s very simple. Don’t fight and you can stay.
The problem, as I see it, is how does any racecourse uphold a lifetime ban? I would presume that anyone banned from a racecourse has freely gone back. Who checks?
Something really has to change here. It’s not a disturbance. It’s a fight which could result in someone being killed.
On a happier note, it’s the Arc this week, and I’m very lucky to be going for ITV as the on course reporter.
I have reported for Sky at many Arc before, but it’s a really privilege to be asked by ITV as I thought I would be watching on telly like most of you reading this.
I’ll be doing my best to get the best interviews which is a role I relish. News hounding is what I have always been about.
As for who will win, well of course all will be revealed in my Saturday Sun Racing column. But let’s just say I think a country who has never won the race might do so this time.
Have a great week. Yeeehaaa!
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