The Grand National was delayed today after animal rights protesters dressed as racegoers broke onto the course and attempted to attach themselves to jumps in an effort to prevent the race from taking place – as others with ladders attempted to break-in using ladders.
Activists from Animal Rising, an environmental and animal rights group, were seen attempting to climb over fences and breaking onto the grass ahead of the race, which is estimated to be watched by 300 million people – only for them to be carted off by police to the delight of spectators.
It came after the alleged ringleader of the protest Rose Patterson, 33, was arrested in Greater Manchester by Merseyside Police this morning. A 25-year-old woman from London and a man were also arrested outside the racecourse on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance.
At around 5pm, people wielding ladders could be seen attempting to enter the course while in a separate attempt, some tried to tie or handcuff themselves to jumps on the track.
Police officers were seen rushing to the scene to grab the protesters and remove them from the scene. At least nine people have been arrested.
The race did finally get underway at around 5.30pm, but at least one horse went down before the first hurdle, as did a second at the second fence.
Several other jockeys tumbled but their horses continued. Two then left the main track but continued to run alongside the other steeds.
At least two activists made it onto the racecourse and attempted to glue themselves to the second jump
Police rushed to the site and carried the two protesters from the jump, reportedly removing a small part of it in order to do so
A massive police response was triggered after two protesters made it onto the course
As the race continued, several other jockeys and horses fell to the ground. It is unclear at this stage whether any horses have been seriously injured.
Activists are protesting against horceracing over animal welfare concerns, as multiple horses often die at major meets such as Aintree each year.
Two horses have so far been put down following injuries at the course this weekend.
A fire engine was also spotted at the scene, but exited the course after police were able to secure the area.
Before they reached the protesters, several members of the public appeared to try and remove the activists from the track themselves.
The activists, most of whom are wearing pink T-shirts emblazoned with slogans, seem to have been mostly prevented from getting into Aintree, after attempting to use ladders and their hands to climb barriers.
Police were first alerted to trouble at 4.59pm, when ladders were erected and individuals attempted to attach themselves to the fence.
Merseyside Police said: ‘We can confirm that nine people have been arrested at Aintree Racecourse today.
‘Just after 5pm, a large number of protesters attempted to gain entry on to the course. The majority were prevented from breaching the boundary fencing, but the nine individuals who managed to enter the course were later arrested by officers.’
The force said its operation was continuing and the Grand National was temporarily delayed to allow officers to ensure the safety of the event.
Shortly after the scheduled race time of 5.15pm, the jockeys walked out into the paddock, where the horses were walked around for public display.
By 5.25pm, the horses headed out to the gates with their jockeys ahead of the start of the race. Commentators announced plans to cut the usual parade and national anthem in order to begin as soon as possible.
Two activists are arrested by police outside Aintree’s grounds
Members of the public attempt to pull protesters from the second fence
Members of the public applauded police officers from inside the course as they disrupted the protest
lMembers of the police detain protester as activists tried to block the start of the Grand Nationa
A woman who attempted to prevent the start of the race is arrested by police
Police officers were on high alert for any sign of protesters before the beginning of the race
A man dressed in a suit is arrested after attempting to storm the Grand National
The MoS revealed two weeks ago how militant vegans and animal rights campaigners planned to use ladders and bolt cutters to storm security fences before the race at Aintree, then glue themselves together as a human barricade and sit across the course.
Previously the police announced they would ‘robustly’ defend the races and its main event, which should have started at 5:15pm, from the militant vegans and animal rights campaigners.
A MoS undercover journalist secretly filmed as Patterson, 33, allegedly boasted that the stunt by the Animal Rising campaign group, which was previously known as Animal Rebellion, would have a worldwide impact.
‘We have 600million people viewing this horse race worldwide, we’ve got £300million of bets on the horse race, and we’re just going to ruin it,’ she said.
The MoS understands that Patterson was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance as she and other activists made their way to Aintree on Merseyside.
Sources at Animal Rising believe her arrest was linked to the MoS handing over a dossier of evidence to Merseyside Police.
Crowds have turned out to enjoy a day at the races despite fears of disruption. Racegoers made their way into Aintree Racecourse past about 50 protesters, holding Animal Rising banners and flags.
While videos posted online appear to show verbal clashes between protestors and attendees.
At around 2:35pm a group of Animal Rising supporters started slowly marching on the roads around Aintree Racecourse to disrupt access to the venue.
Animal Rising spokesperson Claudia Penna Rojas was pictured being carried away by four policemen outside Aintree Racecourse.
A video shows her talking to an officer and then sitting down and shaking her head.
The video then cuts to the activist refusing to stand up and walk, instead going limp so that several officers have to carry her away.
The surrounding activists cheer and clap as she is carried away.
Earlier today she told Sky News: ‘At some point we will peacefully and non-violently try to make our way to the track.’
A protester runs towards the exterior fence to break into the course
Protesters are detained outside the racecourse by police, wearing Animal Rising t-shirts
Rose Patterson, 33, was arrested at the Grand National today after she was identified in a Mail on Sunday undercover exposé
Animal Rising spokesperson Claudia Penna Rojas was arrested by several officers outside Aintree Racecourse
Animal Rising protestors have brought banners outside of Aintree Racecourse
Claudia Penna Rojas can be seen standing and speaking to police (left), before she employs the commonly used tactic going limp – requiring several officers to carry her away
Harry Skelton fell from Calico during a race, both the rider and horse were back up shortly after
There is a large police presence down by the racetrack at Aintree, in case of any disruption from activists
A press release from Animal Rising said that just 100 supporters gathered outside the racecourse, though they expect more to arrive later.
Miss Penna Rojas said: ‘This summer Animal Rising will be taking action to protect animals from harm by openly rescuing them from factory farms and putting ourselves between these beautiful creatures and harm.’
Nathan McGovern, a spokesman for the group, said: ‘The arrest of Rose Patterson shows that the police are more concerned with arresting peaceful protesters than telling the world about the climate, nature, and animal crisis.’
Patterson, who joined Animal Rebellion in 2020 and now masterminds the group’s protests, released a video on Instagram last week announcing the group’s name change.
‘We feel that the change we need will come through our connection with animals by challenging those industries that exploit them, from our food system to animal testing to zoos to horse racing,’ she said.
‘Our actions this year are going to be bigger than ever. This summer will be the summer of Animal Rising.
Police said they respect the right to peaceful protest, but stated ‘criminal offences will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly’. Pictured: outside Aintree Racecourse today
Racegoers enjoying day three of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse
Animal Rising have vowed that their ‘biggest action yet’ will ‘cancel the Grand National’ at Aintree Racecourse
The militant animal rights campaigners said up to 300 activists will flood Aintree Racecourse where they intend to prevent the main race at 5:15pm from starting
The animal activist group announced their intention to stop the races going ahead
‘We’ll be doing open rescues, farm factory occupations and highly disruptive mass-participation actions.’
Earlier this week Animal Rising claimed that up to 300 activists would try to prevent the Grand National from starting, with some expected to block traffic by performing a slow march along Ormskirk Road, the main access route.
Around 80 protesters gathered outside the racecourse’s entrance this morning. By midday today one man and one woman had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a public nuisance.
Some activists chanted at race-goers entering the course: ‘Shame on you.’
Dora Hargitai, 37, a volunteer with the group, said: ‘I do believe we can have non-violence on both sides. The race has to stop. Today and for ever.’
The MoS investigation earlier this month revealed how ringleaders had already conducted two secret reconnaissance missions of the racecourse to pinpoint security weaknesses and how a network of safe houses was being arranged to accommodate protesters before the race.
Jim Edwards (pictured), the former founding editor of the UK website of Business Insider, is involved with militant Animal Rebellion
Merseyside Police has vowed to deal ‘robustly’ with any protesters. Pictured: Officers at the entrance of Aintree Racecourse
Armed police are present at the Aintree Racecourse for the Grand National Festival today
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said the force ‘has been working with the Jockey Club and other partners to keep people safe during the Grand National Festival.
‘We are aware of some people planning to protest at the event.
‘This has been factored into our plans. We respect the right to peaceful protest and expression of views, but criminal behaviour and disorder will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.’
An Aintree Racecourse spokesperson said: ‘We respect the right to peaceful protest, but sincerely hope that Animal Rising reflects on whether their proposed actions are legitimate and responsible.
‘Their actions could endanger the horses they purport to protect, as well as jockeys, officials and themselves.’
The British Horseracing Authority said: ‘While we respect the rights of anyone to protest safely and legally, we condemn any action which is illegal, especially if it puts at risk the safety of horses, jockeys, officials or fans.’
Two horses have now died at this year’s three-day Grand National Festival.
Activists outside the gates ahead of day three of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse
A protestor holds a sign saying ‘love animals’ in front of police outside the racecourse
Animal welfare charity the League Against Cruel Sports has described the death toll at the Randox Grand National Festival as ‘bleak’.
It comes after Dark Raven was destroyed after the third race today, the second death this year.
Emma Judd, head of campaigns and communications at the League Against Cruel Sports, said: ‘The tragic death of Dark Raven at the Randox Grand National Festival today – the second death in only three days – shows entertainment and gambling taking precedence over animal welfare and the lives of these horses.
‘It’s time for change and for the introduction of tighter safety measures at Aintree and at racecourses across the UK.’
The death toll at the Aintree Festival has now reached 61 horses since the year 2000, with 15 deaths in the Grand National.
Envoye Special, ridden by James King, fell in the Foxhunters’ Chase just after 4pm on Thursday.
Four horses died at the 2022 Aintree Festival, with two horses being destroyed after the Grand National.