Cheltenham Festival have issued a statement after a violent altercation broke out inside a betting shop during day one of Cheltenham Festival.
Footage of the disturbance rapidly spread across social media, showing multiple individuals exchanging blows within the bookmakers, as bystanders attempted to separate those involved in the fracas.
The footage has been shared nearly 300 times on the platform.
A spokesman for the iconic racecourse condemned the actions of those involved on what is traditionally one of British racing's most celebrated occasions.
The statement read: "Our focus is always on providing safe and enjoyable experiences for all our racegoers and we operate a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any form of antisocial behaviour.
"There was an isolated incident yesterday involving a small number of racegoers which was dealt with quickly by our security team on site.
"Police based at the racecourse attended but no arrests were made.
"Millions of people enjoy a day at the races every year while behaving perfectly safely and responsibly."
Violence broke out on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival, with footage going viral
| XDespite the scale of the brawl, no arrests were made.
The melee took place during the 3.20pm Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase, which saw Johnnywho claim victory.
Jockey Richie McLernon guided the horse trained by Jonjo and AJ O'Neill to triumph over the three-mile-one-furlong distance.
The well-fancied Jagwar, sent off at odds of 3/1, had to settle for the runner-up position.
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Johnnywho claimed victory in the 3.20pm Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase | REUTERSQuebecois completed the frame in third place.
The winning jockey expressed his satisfaction with the performance.
He said: "I travelled nicely through the race, thought the ground was a little quick.
"Everything just unfolded for me; jumped when I needed him to and he answered every call. So absolutely thrilled."
Cheltenham Festival have issued a statement after a violent altercation broke out
|GETTY
AJ O'Neill was equally effusive in his praise, remarking: "Absolutely fantastic. Richie gave him a great ride and he was in the right place all the time. Just great to see it all work out."
Trainer Jonjo O'Neill also paid tribute to McLernon's contribution to the yard, saying: "Richie, he's done a great job for us since the day he came really.
"He's a great rider, he's a great judge and a lovely fella to be around. What more do you want?"
The festival continues today with Ladies Day making a much-anticipated return.
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