Watch: Bloody brawl at Royal Ascot sparks police investigation
Footage emerged on Friday showing two racegoers swinging punches at one other at the event attended by the King, Queen and other senior royals.
One of the smartly dressed men is covered in blood after being knocked to the floor in front of shocked onlookers before a group intervene to keep them apart.
The racecourse confirmed the brawl took place on Thursday, and that those involved had been ejected. A police spokesperson said: 'We are aware of an affray that has taken place inside Ascot Racecourse yesterday.
'An investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident are ongoing, and we would ask anyone who recognises the people in the video to please come forward.
An Ascot Racecourse spokesperson added of the incident: 'We operate a strict behavioural management policy and take a zero-tolerance approach to antisocial behaviour. Both individuals were apprehended and ejected, with one requiring medical treatment on site.'
Police using drones and sniffer dogs to maintain control
The brawl took place less than a week after Telegraph Sport revealed police drones, armed patrols and teams of sniffer dogs would be used to target troublemakers at this year's festival.
Festivities spilt over into a handful of minor brawls last year, but police said they had a 'comprehensive' plan to keep arrests to a minimum at the meeting, which began on Tuesday.
As with all major sporting events, cocaine-use among spectators has become an increasing concern for Royal Ascot in recent years. Police made 36 arrests during last year's festival, the vast majority off site. Allegations included assault, drink-driving and possession of class A drugs. The number of arrests was broadly consistent with previous years, with 35 in 2023.
Police worked with Ascot Racecourse Limited and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead on this year's security plan.
A security clampdown in 2018 led to the first widespread use of sniffer dogs near the main entrances as well as around bar and toilet areas at the site.
This year's event has coincided with a heatwave that has led to hundreds of racegoers being treated at the course's medical centre.
One spectator who fell ill with suspected heatstroke was sent to hospital on Tuesday, with crowds warned temperatures would reach 31C by Saturday.
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