Four people arrested after jockey Aidan Coleman allegedly punched

Four people were arrested after an incident at Southwell Racecourse on Tuesday in which Irish jockey Aidan Coleman was allegedly punched.

The Professional Jockeys’ Association said the incident was “deeply concerning”, and called on other racecourses to review their security.

Police said Coleman suffered “minor injuries” in the attack after the final race and witnesses said he was “shaken” but not seriously injured.

“The individuals involved will be banned from Area Racing Company-owned racecourses”.

A statement issued by Nottinghamshire Police read: “Four people have been arrested following an assault at Southwell Racecourse yesterday afternoon (29 September 2015)”.

‘Officers were called at 5.23pm to reports of a man being assaulted in the weighing room.

Three of the four had been arrested on suspicion of assault and criminal damage, the fourth for obstructing officers.

‘The victim sustained minor injuries.

Southwell stewards said in a statement that two racegoers gained entrance into the jockeys’ changing room, with the incident referred to the British Horseracing Authority.

‘Southwell have announced that they are beefing up security so from my perspective it’s over, though of course the police investigation will continue so I wouldn’t have any more to say about it anyway.

The quartet spent much of Wednesday in custody before being released on police bail, according to Nottinghamshire police.

Cork-born jockey Coleman has won 54 races in Britain this season.

Southwell is to “review and enhance” its’ security arrangements.

“They were well out of it – they got refused service at one of the bars – and got more and more lairy as the day went on”. The safety of jockeys, as well as all visitors to our racecourse, is of paramount importance to us.

When asked if the track had taken all possible measures to prevent the incident, Clayton said: “Absolutely. 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”.