Man shot by police following gunfire after racing at Del Mar racetrack

A gunman was shot by police at Del Mar racetrack on Sunday after he fired several shots in a crowded area just after the last race and before a concert by rapper Ice Cube.

The drama unfolded near the main entrance on the south side of the California seaside track, with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department saying in a preliminary statement: "Just before 6.40pm, a man came to the ticket window at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. He wanted a ticket to this evening's concert. He was told no more tickets were available.

"An argument ensued and nearby deputies responded. The man pulled out a silver-plated semi-automatic handgun and fired several shots into a crowded area. Deputies engaged and returned fire.

"The suspect was transported to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and his condition is unknown at this time. To our knowledge, no-one else was injured."

Ice Cube: his concert went ahead after the shooting incident

Simon Bray, who was broadcasting for US cable channel TVG from the paddock area near where the shooting occurred, immediately jumped into a stall in the saddling area.

Providing a chilling eyewitness account, he said: "I heard six shots to the right of us, outside the gates. I jumped over the gate and around the [TV] set immediately.

"There were people running everywhere. And I got stuck in a stall with a kid who was separated from his parents. It was some scary stuff."

Police descended on the racetrack as people desperately sought cover, and the area in which the shooting occurred was immediately cordoned off before the gunman was taken to hospital.

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club issued a tweet that read: "The situation has been contained. The concert is moving forward as planned."

The Ice Cube concert went ahead after a delay, Del Mar officials said, because the performer had not arrived at the venue when the incident occurred. Spokesman Mac McBride said: "The thought is, if they cancel the concert, there will be a riot."

Ice Cube, now a successful solo artist, gained notoriety as the primary songwriter for and performer with 1980s Los Angeles group N.W.A. and is noted as one of the founding artists of gangsta rap.

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