Beers and champagne in the sun got a bit much for some revellers at Royal Ascot as high spirits descended into a bloody brawl between two young men.
A shocking video has emerged online of a duo, who were suited and booted, viciously swinging punches at one another, at the prestigious Berkshire event.
For a short moment, the pair grip each other before one plummeted to the ground after being hit once again.
Stunned attendees at the racing event were left staring in horror, as a group of men attempt to separate the brawling pair.
The group could briefly be heard telling the fighting men: ‘Stop, stop, boys.’
While one man, dressed in a grey suit, was dragged away, the other was picked up from the ground with blood gushing from his face.
The bloodied racegoer wiped his visage and then bloodied his cream trousers as he seemingly yelled at the man he had fought only moments before.
It is not clear exactly what transpired before or after the fight took place yesterday at the famous racecourse.
Thames Valley Police have confirmed they are aware of the fight and have launched an investigation into the incident.
A spokesperson for the force said: ‘We would ask anyone who recognises the people in the video to please come forward, as they may have vital information to assist us with our investigation.
‘Anyone with information or footage should call us on 101 quoting reference 43250306653 or report online via our website.
‘Alternatively, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.’
Last year, a separate brawl broke out leaving one racegoer covered in blood after two men wrestled each other to the ground.
One man had to be restrained by onlookers as he tried to kick another racegoer who was on the floor.
The second man, who was wearing a brown suit, was then led away from the brawl with a bloody nose.
The shocked crowd could be heard shouting ‘easy, easy’ in the video that has been shared widely on social media.
Today at the event, known as the crown jewel of the racing calendar, stylish racegoers put their best foot forward as they braved the sweltering 28C heat.
A sea of flamboyant hats and gowns dominated the landscape at the races as revellers prepared for nail-biting action.
Racegoers could be seen enjoying a glass of bubbly in the summer sun, as they donned their grandiose and vibrant hats.
Elsewhere eager revellers watched as the jockeys and horses geared up to go head on in several races including the Coronation Stakes and the Commonwealth Cup.
Celebrities and royalty alike sat patiently as King Charles III and Queen Camilla kicked off the day arriving in a horse-drawn-landaus.
The King and Queen were joined by Camilla’s old school friend Lady Cavendish and her husband Lord Cavendish in their coach during the traditional carriage procession along the course.
Among the guests travelling in the carriages were the former Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad, the Queen’s Companion the Marchioness of Lansdowne and musical maestro Lord Lloyd-Webber.
Princess Eugene and Zara Tindall were seen beaming as they chatted with His Majesty.
Zara donned a chic baby blue pantsuit with a matching hat, while Princess Eugenie wore beige top coupled with a white hat and skirt.
Princess Eugenie’s mother, Sarah Ferguson, was also present at the prestigious event, wearing a polka dot black and white dress paired with a matching black hat.
And while many continued to enjoy the sunshine, the sportsmen and horses geared up as they went head to head in a bid to emerge victorious in their respective races.
Time for Sandals bagged the number one position in the Commonwealth Cup, winning the prize for Harry Eustace.
Richard Kingscote told ITV: ‘Since Sir Michael retired it’s always been a case of building back up and I was delighted to get such a good ride.
‘She done a spectacular piece of work. Delighted for Harry, he’s such a good guy. I’m delighted.’
Elsewhere Venetian Sun, ridden, by Clifford Lee, raced away with a win during the Albany Stalkes race.
Signora, backed by jockey Ryan Moore, was previously tipped as the favourite to win the race but failed to emerge victorious at 15-8 odds.
Winning jockey Lee told ITV: ‘When she ran the first time at Carlisle she did it very nicely.
‘She was very babyish, wasn’t quite switched on, but after that first run she’s come on by maybe 20 lbs. We knew at home that we had a very good filly.
‘Fingers crossed for the rest of the day. It’s not easy – you come here thinking you have a great chance but there are 20 others like that.’
Yesterday, some attendees looked rather worse for wear after leaving the venue after Ladies Day on the hottest day of the year so far.
The term Ladies Day was first used in 1823 after an anonymous poet described the annual meeting as ‘Ladies’ Day … when the women, like angels, look sweetly divine.’
While there is no official prize on offer for best dressed lady as there is at other race meetings, ticket holders were still eager to put their best foot forward.
And while the drinks were flowing yesterday, the combination of a few too many as well as the blistering sun proved tough for many.
A large police presence was spotted throughout the Berkshire town to keep people in check.
However earlier in the day, fans were treated to an exciting day of racing as seven-year-old Trawlerman won the Gold Cup with his jockey William Buick.
In a race that dates back to 1807, the horse on his 21st race sprung out of the starting stalls and never looked back.
The horse, which was ridden by legendary jockey Frankie Dettori eight times, began its career during the pandemic.
