Fighting talk: courses take action to prevent trouble at Saturday's meetings

Officials at Saturday's main meetings hope the security measures in place will help ensure there are no repeats of the fighting that marred last weekend's fixture at Haydock where brawling broke out before the last race on the Grand National Trial card, with alarming scenes posted on social media.

Haydock 'extremely disappointed' by brawl as one arrest is made

Chepstow is expecting a crowd of 4,000-plus, with admission on offer for £10 and racegoers able to watch the Six Nations rugby matches, including Wales versus England, in a fanzone during and after racing.

Executive director Phil Bell said: "We've got a bit of extra security, a few extra bodies, but historically when we've shown the rugby there have never been any problems, it's generally very good natured.

Phil Bell: 'Historically when we've shown the rugby there have never been any problems, it's generally very well natured'

"We have a good track record of identifying potential issues. If we see groups getting a bit boisterous we pop over early on and say, 'Look lads, just behave and have a good day' – we try to do a bit of work with them early on and nip things in the bud. When people are drinking alcohol you've got to keep an eye out."

Haydock a 'ticking bomb' since expansion of drinking areas, says member

The lack of Premier League football has been suggested as a contributing factor to the incident at Haydock, which took place on an FA Cup weekend.

Seven days on, Newcastle hopes to attract a crowd of 3,500 to its Eider Chase meeting, despite a clash with Newcastle United's match with Huddersfield.

Executive director David Williamson said: "We'll do nothing different to what we would normally do for a big meeting, but we will have an increased presence – there won't be a bigger number of security staff but they will be more obvious. As always, we aim to have people coming to a safe environment and enjoying themselves."

Saturday's cards and betting

A crowd of 3,000-3,500 is expected at Kempton, whose general manager Steve Parlett said: "For obvious reasons we don't discuss the specifics of our procedures and security protocols for events.

"Every raceday has a specific risk assessment and based on that we will put the appropriate procedures and protocols in place, based on that information.

"All of those risk assessments are continually reviewed on a number of fronts. The enjoyment of all of our customers, and safety, is of paramount importance."

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