Grand National turns ugly as three men arrested after violent Ladies Day fight
Three arrests were made on Ladies Day at the Grand National Festival.
Arrests have been made following a fight which broke out during the second day of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree. Friday marked Ladies Day at the Liverpool racecourse, but the festivities were marred by ugly scenes of violence that left one individual requiring treatment for minor injuries.
A Merseyside Police statement has confirmed that an altercation involving four or five men was reported at 2.25pm, and one man received medical attention on site.
It read: "Three men have been arrested on suspicion of affray following a report of a fight at the front of the Princess Royal Stand."
On Thursday, the Merseyside Police confirmed that no arrests were made during the first day of action at Aintree, with racegoers clearly enjoying themselves too much to get into trouble.
Superintendent Matthew Moscrop said: "Today marked the start of this year's festival, and it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves responsibly.
"I would like to thank everyone who attended for making it a successful first day and a really good atmosphere.
"We are expecting many more racegoers to attend Ladies Day tomorrow, so I would like to remind people attending to give yourself extra time to get to the course and enjoy your day.
"My officers will be in and around the course and I would encourage everyone to speak to them if they have any concerns or issues."
The Merseyside Police's issues on the second day of racing extended beyond fights. The force also had to seize three drones that were spotted flying in a restricted area during the three-day festival.
"As part of the policing operation, the flight restrictions were put in place to protect everyone attending the event, including horses, and assist with the security of the festival," a statement read.
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"On both days of the festival, Thursday and Friday, we were made aware of drones being flown in the restricted airspace which resulted in the operators being located and their aircraft seized and advice given to a further operator."
On Saturday, Aintree will host the world's most famous steeplechase, the Grand National. For safety purposes, 34 horses will run the 4m 2f event, down from last year's 40.
Corach Rambler, last year's winner, is the current favourite to make it back-to-back triumphs this time around.
Legendary trainer Willie Mullins' I Am Maximus is heavily favoured as the second favourite, with Limerick Lace and Panda Boy also popular.