Epsom racecourse condemns brawl after fight breaks out at Derby attended by King and Queen

The historic fixture remains one of the most celebrated dates in the British racing calendar

A brawl erupted at Epsom racecourse on Saturday, attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla, prompting officials to strongly denounce the incident.

Social media footage captured the altercation taking place within one of the stands at the Surrey Downs venue.

A spokesman for the racecourse, which operates under Jockey Club Racecourses ownership, said: “Our security teams and police on site responded quickly to an incident on Saturday.

“This matter is now being dealt with by Surrey Police so it would not be appropriate to comment further, other than to say that this sort of behaviour has no place at our racecourse.”

The Epsom racecourse has condemned Saturday’s brawl after a fight broke out at the Derby attended by the King and Queen

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The incident marred what should have been a celebratory occasion at one of British racing’s most prestigious fixtures.

Despite blustery winds and summer showers, some 28,500 racegoers attended the event, representing the largest turnout for the premier Classic in four years.

The crowd witnessed Christmas Day storm to victory in the feature race, with the triumph coming amid challenging weather conditions on the Surrey Downs.

Spectators braved the elements throughout the afternoon, with many sheltering beneath umbrellas as rain swept across the course.

Betfred owner Peter Done (left) with King Charles III and Queen Camilla (right) after the Betfred Derby

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The historic fixture remains one of the most celebrated dates in the British racing calendar.

King Charles and Queen Camilla attended the prestigious meeting, having travelled directly from the Cotswolds wedding of Peter Phillips, the Princess Royal’s son, earlier that morning.

Cheering crowds greeted Their Majesties as they arrived at the Surrey venue, with both dressed in coordinating pastel yellow attire.

The King donned a morning suit with matching waistcoat and top hat, while wearing a Royal Artillery tie pin as a tribute to Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, who died following a fall at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May.

Jockey Rowan Scott is presented a cap by King Charles III and Queen Camilla

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Following Christmas Day’s triumph, the King and Queen presented the Derby Trophy to victorious trainer Aidan O’Brien, jockey Ronan Whelan and owners Coolmore.

The royal box welcomed several distinguished guests alongside the monarchs, including Dame Mary Berry, the Queen’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, entrepreneur Charlotte Tilbury and broadcaster Clare Balding.

Dame Mary described the occasion as “wonderful,” noting: “It’s the classic, the Derby. It’s the oldest race, and it’s the one that everybody wants to follow.”

Saturday marked the 247th running of the Epsom Derby, the original race from which countless other sporting events take their name.

The late Queen Elizabeth II held particular affection for the fixture, missing only two Derby days throughout her entire reign.

CRE: https://www.gbnews.com/royal/epsom-racecourse-fight-king-charles-queen-camilla