Southwell to review security after assault on Irish jockey

Security will be tighter at Southwell racecourse in future, following the alleged assault on Irish jockey Aidan Coleman after the last race there on Tuesday. Jockeys' representatives made a general call for all tracks to review their security arrangements in the cause of preventing a similar incident elsewhere.

A statement issued by David Roberts, managing director at the Nottinghamshire track, described it as a "friendly, local track" where the safety of all visitors is of "paramount importance".

‘Security presence’

“We will be reviewing procedures and increasing the security presence around the changing rooms and across the racecourse,” said Roberts.

The foursome, two men and two women, spent much of yesterday in custody before being released on police bail, according to police. Three of the four had been arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage, the fourth for obstructing officers.

Initial suggestions the two men involved had forced a door to obtain access to the weighing room appear to have been wide of the mark. Racecourse officials now believe the back door to the weighing room had been left open by valets removing tack, as would commonly be the case 10 minutes after the final race of the day, when the incident happened. It appears the two men entered in search of a toilet and trouble ensued when they were asked to leave. It was at some point after this that the back door was damaged.

Security officers are employed within the weighing room only on the most high-profile racedays.

Paul Struthers, the chief executive of the Professional Jockeys' Association, welcomed the news that Southwell would enhance its security. "We would ask other racecourses to review their arrangements and satisfy themselves that this couldn't happen at their track," he said.

“One of the big attractions of horse racing is how close the public are able to get to the jockeys and how accessible they are and we would not want this to change. Thankfully, these incidents are very rare but they undermine the confidence of jockeys and racegoers and highlight the importance of a responsible approach to alcohol sales and the need for appropriate security arrangements.”

Memories are fresh of the beer can that was thrown at Tony McCoy at Worcester last year. Five years ago, Kieren Fallon was punched by an owner as he dismounted at Lingfield, his assailant being banned for three months and fined £10,000 (€13,500).

Shrugged off

Cork-born Coleman shrugged off the incident, fitting in a visit to the dentist to have his teeth repaired between riding out and taking a single mount at Chepstow, finishing fifth. “Us jump jockeys are a tough bunch,” he said.

The British Horseracing Authority said it wanted "to understand the circumstances which led to this situation" before further comment. "The police are conducting an investigation into the incident, to which we are assisting," said Jamie Stier, the BHA's head of raceday regulation. Guardian Service