Three-year racecourse ban for businessman involved in Fakenham fight

A Norfolk businessman has received a three-year exclusion order from the BHA for being involved in a fight that broke out at Fakenham on ladies' day this year.

Daniel Grocott, from Fakenham, was found to have been involved in a fight at an after-racing disco on the evening of June 2.

David Hunter, chief executive and clerk of the course at Fakenham, said: "Racing had finished and the last hundred-odd racegoers were happily enjoying a final drink and the disco in the evening sun when a fight started at about half past seven in the evening.

"The police quickly arrived and immediately took statements from those involved and from bystanders. Fortunately no-one was badly hurt but it was very frightening and disturbing for those who witnessed it."

Fakenham is looking forward to a busy period with its traditional pre-Christmas meeting on Tuesday as well as the popular New Year's Day fixture upcoming.

Hunter added: "This was an isolated incident which I hope does nothing to tarnish Fakenham’s impeccable and proud record of being a friendly and safe place for people to come and enjoy the racing and socialise.

"Fakenham police and the BHA have done an outstanding investigation, for which I am very grateful, and the ban sends a very clear message that Fakenham racecourse and British racing will not tolerate any form of aggressive or anti-social behaviour."

Robin Mounsey, head of media at BHA, said: "Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated on racecourses, where the overwhelming majority of racegoers want to take part in a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

"Should individuals be identified as being responsible for violent or aggressive behaviour then we will not hesitate to pursue their exclusion from premises licensed by the BHA."

Grocott’s exclusion order runs from October 28 of this year to the same day in 2022 and means he is excluded from all British racecourses and any premises licensed by the BHA.

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