The 30-year-old looked on as fists were thrown and blood was shed in the fracas close to the winner's enclosure, just ten minutes after the last race on Saturday (August 9) afternoon.

The man, from Horsham, was part of a group celebrating a friend's birthday but the violence spoilt the celebrations.

"We were shocked by the drunken behaviour. It was more glorified violence than Glorious Goodwood," he said.

"It would put us off going again if this were a common problem."

The man, who asked not to be named, described how one blood-soaked man suffered an eye injury, and others sustained head injuries.

He estimated there were around 200 people in the area at the time of the fight, which is believed to have started after an argument between two adults over a chair.

"Police ran from all directions, along with stewards.

"A few people were dragged away and some had treatment for head injuries.

"One man aged about 50 was holding his eye and blood was covering him and a pal.

"It seemed to quieten down for a minute or so and then it all kicked off again."

The group's trip did not improve after they left the race course. Waiting for a bus home they watched as two drunken bare-chested men, also in the queue, made violent gestures towards other racing fans.

Police said until then spectators' behaviour had been 'impeccable'.

Chief Inspector Mark Eyre said: "The incident late on Saturday afternoon in the Umbrella Bar was regrettable. It certainly marred the occasion for a significant number of racegoers.

"It was necessary to deploy further officers to those already at the event to restore public order."

Officers, two using incapacitant spray, arrested four people as a result of the fracas, two for assault and two for public-order offences.

The two held for public-order offences were a 40-year-old man from Hampshire who was cautioned, and a 39-year-old man from Surrey, who was charged.

Goodwood racecourse manager John Thompson said: "We've never had serious disorder problems in recent years. We will have a de-brief with the police and other agencies and discuss how we intend to continue to improve the customer experience."