The threat of violence marred last Friday’s harness racing at Vesey Street where it is claimed a machete was brandished during a heated row.It is alleged that a man threatened Driving Horse and Pony Club (DHPC) President Arnold Manders with a machete during a lengthy argument that started near the judge’s box before spilling onto the racetrack.According to observers, the machete wielding man was only prevented from inflicting any harm when a club member courageously stepped in before police arrived on the scene.When confronted on the matter, Mr Manders told The Royal Gazette: “There was a discrepancy about moving a trailer and there were some heated words.“It’s very unfortunate that it happened but it did happen and you can’t control other people’s behaviour. I’m just glad that it happened after the races and not during.”Asked did he fear for his safety, Mr Manders replied: “I didn’t feel threatened because when you are in a position of authority you have to deal with things when they arise.”The heated row was witnessed by many at the track and ruined what was otherwise another pleasant and entertaining night of harness racing.“It was a full house and the women and children who saw it happen panicked,” said one observer who spoke under condition of anonymity. “A lot of people were upset about what took place. Words and threats were exchanged and a machete was produced.”The Royal Gazette was unaware of any arrests relating to the incident at press time.DHPC executives are due to meet in the near future to determine what action, if any, to take against the man alleged to have threatened Mr Manders with the machete during the row.“You can’t really take disciplinary action against someone that’s not a member,” Mr Manders said. “But we will discuss this in our committee meeting.”