Chemical reaction believed to be the cause of smashed Newmarket window

Newmarket officials believe a 'chemical reaction' caused a window to blow out and smash into the grandstand below on the first day of its four-day Guineas meeting, and warned additional protective measures may have to be installed to stop it happening again.

There was considerable commotion at the course on Thursday afternoon after a window in the Champions Gallery restaurant on the third floor of the grandstand fell on to seating below with significant force, shattering glass across a wide area.

With racing taking place without spectators, no one was injured in the incident and an investigation into the cause was launched by Amy Starkey, the Jockey Club’s regional director for the east.

While the investigation is continuing to take place, Starkey revealed that a chemical reaction was the most likely culprit and that steps to ensure the integrity of other windows, and the safety of those at the course, could be necessary.

She said on Friday: "An investigation was started yesterday and will continue today about the cause of the window falling out of the Champions Gallery restaurant.

“Early indications after inspecting the broken glass is that it was a chemical reaction and we may have to put a protective film or glass over the whole frontage.

"We have cordoned off the area to keep our staff and others safe, something that will stay in place until the problem has been solved."

Newmarket hosts the first two Classics of the season on Saturday and Sunday, with the Qipco 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas being run at the course a month later than scheduled due to the coronavirus pandemic and shutdown of racing in Britain.

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