A 70-year-old man is fighting for his life after reportedly attempting to break up a fight at a Newmarket pub as a jockey was seen being put in a police car.
The incident occurred on Saturday near the Waggon and Horses pub in Suffolk.
Two jockeys have been arrested following the brawl which left the pensioner in a critical but stable condition.
The altercation prompted a significant emergency response ahead of the Cheltenham Festival.
The incident happened at the Waggon and Horses pub
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Five police cars, three ambulances and an air ambulance were dispatched to the location.
Suffolk Police confirmed their officers responded to reports of a brawl at approximately 3:40pm.
Upon arrival, they discovered two men who had sustained injuries during the fight.
The incident occurred as racing enthusiasts prepared for the prestigious Cheltenham Festival which began the following day.
According to a source speaking to The Sun, the elderly man was out celebrating his birthday with his two sons when the trouble began.
"An old chap out celebrating his birthday with his two sons went to break it up," the source revealed.
"It ended up outside and he hit his head on the kerb everyone thought he was dead. He's still in hospital."
The pensioner reportedly intervened when "people were drinking in the pub when a fight started."
Two men, both identified as jockeys aged 25 and 23 from Newmarket, were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.
The suspects have been released on bail until 5 June pending further enquiries.
A third man, aged 45, was also arrested on suspicion of affray.
This arrest occurred after the individual had been discharged from hospital, where he had received treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.
Despite the serious allegations, at least one of the jockeys has already returned to his professional duties.
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Two jockeys were arrested after the incident
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"He rode out this morning," confirmed his training yard.
The yard added: "Like with any employee when they finish work what they do in their spare time is their business. I don't keep tabs on them."
The racing establishment appears to be maintaining a hands-off approach to the incident while legal proceedings continue.
Suffolk Police have issued an appeal for witnesses to come forward with information about the incident.
The 70-year-old victim remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.
The investigation continues as authorities work to establish the full circumstances of the brawl that unfolded in broad daylight on a Saturday afternoon.
