Police appeal for witnesses after man injured in assault at Newbury's big Saturday meeting

Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was punched in the face during an altercation at Newbury's major Saturday meeting on August 17.

The victim, in his 40s, sustained facial injuries and damaged teeth which required dental work after the assault. It took place at the racecourse at 7pm, midway through a post-race performance from rapper Dizzee Rascal.

The offender is still unknown to Thames Valley Police, who released an appeal last week but are still encouraging anyone who saw the incident to come forward. 

Newbury's weekend card attracted more than 13,500 racegoers and was headlined by the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes, won by Tiber Flow.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Beth Trafford, based at Newbury police station, said: “I’m appealing to anyone who witnessed or recorded this incident and has any information relating to it to get in touch.

“While we don't have a description of the offender at this time, we're aware that there are a number of witnesses who captured this incident on their mobile phone, and ask anyone with footage to please upload this to our dedicated portal for this investigation.

“Any witnesses or anyone with information about this incident should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43240402929. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its website.”

The fixture was Newbury's biggest of 2024, although attendance was down more than 1,500 from the same day in 2023.

Newbury's chief executive Shaun Hinds said: “Our music racedays are two of our biggest highlights each year and we’re confident all those racing and music fans who joined us this summer enjoyed two memorable days."

A statement from Newbury racecourse said: "We are working closely with Thames Valley Police following an isolated incident on Saturday, August 17. The racecourse has a zero-tolerance policy on any form of anti-social or discriminatory behaviour and we will continue to work with our safety and security partners to ensure racegoers enjoy the best possible experience when they spend time with us."

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