Ascot in security crackdown

A NUMBER of tougher security measures, including breath-testing racegoers and the use of sniffer dogs will be employed throughout Royal Ascot next week.

Racegoers failing a breathalyser will be refused entry as officials seek to crack down following recent brawls at the course, at Goodwood and at Hexham.

Ascot will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to anyone taking drugs with a team of specially trained sniffer dogs patrolling key areas, including toilet queues and entry points.

Those found in possession of illegal substances will be expelled and there will be ‘amnesty’ boxes outside the course for racegoers to deposit drugs before entering.

A larger ‘more visible’ response team will also be in place together with the usual armed police.