Cheltenham Festival brawl erupts as punches thrown throughout race on first day
Punters descended into chaos at Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday afternoon as a viral video on social media shows a brawl breaking out inside a bookmaker’s establishment
Video footage of the fighting emerged on social media
Punters erupted into mayhem at Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday afternoon, with viral footage on social media capturing a violent altercation inside a bookmaker’s shop. As the 3.20pm Trustmarque Ultima Handicap Chase unfolded, tensions boiled over dramatically within one betting establishment.
Video clips shared nearly 300 times on X reveal a fierce brawl erupting between several individuals, whilst others attempted desperately to separate the combatants. The Jockey Club has been contacted for comment on the disturbance.
Johnnywho eventually emerged triumphant in the concurrent race, with Richie McLernon guiding Jonjo and AJ O’Neill’s runner to victory over 3m1f. Jagwar – the 3/1 market leader – claimed second place, whilst Quebecois secured third position.
Following his success, McLernon commented: “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.”
AJ O’Neill remarked: “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.”
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Meanwhile, Jonjo O’Neill stated: “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?” There’s a few good horses for him to ride and everybody’s happy.”
This follows William Hill taking a massive financial hit during the opening race of the Cheltenham Festival, as Nick Henderson’s Old Park Star triumphed in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at 1.20pm.
Nico de Boinville steered the horse to victory as the 15/8 market leader, competing against a field packed with promising young hurdlers including Talk The Talk, Mighty Park, Sober Glory and Mydaddypaddy. Due to numerous punters backing the six year old Bay Gelding, William Hill found themselves paying out over £1million in race winnings.
Spokesperson Lee Phelps commented: “Old Park Star was roared home by Cheltenham punters, and we’ve been hit for six by the result. He was a very well-backed favourite, and with our Epic Boost paying EVS for any favourite to win on Day One of the Festival.
“This has been a shocking result. In total, Old Park Star’s win has cost us north of 1 million, and we’re already well on the back foot this week.”
Henderson, claiming the race for a sixth occasion, was applauded by spectators gathered around the winner’s enclosure, stating: “We’ve been here a long time, so we’ve got to know each other! This is a race that’s been kind to us over the years.
“It’s always a good race and the best novice hurdlers are all coming out to play. On a day we’ve said goodbye to Constitution Hill (over jumps), it’s nice to come straight in and a bring on a new one we hope could be a star.
“These young horses keep you going and I’m not going anywhere unless they want to pension us off! The first race on the first day is the best one you can get and England are one up (over Ireland)!”.
“I don’t know if we’ll be saying that on Friday night, but we’ll keep trying.”
