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Police arrested 23 people at Aintree Racecourse after large numbers of protesters tried to enter the track, delaying the start of the Grand National with that number set to rise. Dozens of activists scaled fences in Aintree, with at least two securing a jump using glue and blocking devices, animal rights and climate group Animal Rising said. Protesters broke through security barriers as the national runners were on the parade ground, causing a 12-minute delay.
One horse was destroyed after falling over the first fence - the second died at Aintree on Saturday and the third at the three-day festival - prompting campaigners to call for a ban on show jumping racing.
Merseyside Police said 23 people who managed to enter the field were arrested, while three protesters were arrested earlier in the day.
The force said: "We respect the right to peaceful protest and express opinions, but criminal behavior and riots will not be tolerated and will be dealt with firmly."
Sarah McCaffrey, a vendor and student and one of those who broke up the trail, said: “Whether it's for food or for fun, our use of animals and nature is symbolic of a relationship beyond rest.
“We are a nation of animal lovers, but the pain these beautiful creatures go through on a daily basis does not do justice to that label. We need to find ways to love animals without hurting them.
"I truly believe we are a nation of animal lovers, all of us. I know anyone coming to Aintree to watch the races today would say they love the horses, however the suffering they experienced should shock us all."
"That's why I decided to put my body between these horses and death on the race track, rather than gamble with their lives."
These actions show that police are spending more time going after peaceful protesters than addressing the real issues out there, like our broken relationship with animals and the climate emergency.
Campaign group Animal Aid says jump racing should be banned after Hill Sixteen broke his neck in the first Grand National close and was shot down.
Horse Dark Raven died earlier on Saturday and Envoy Special on Thursday, while the group said two more horses fell in the Grand National and were taken to horse ambulances with life-threatening injuries, and the fate of another, Castle Robin, in a previous race, which has remained unknown.
Animal Aid horse racing consultant Dene Stansall said: "Jump racing must be banned to prevent the brutal horrors seen at Aintree today and this week from happening again.
"Innocent racehorses have had their lives taken in the name of entertainment and gambling. Aintree, the worst of all racecourses, is a disgrace and the Jockey Club and British racing should be ashamed of what we have seen in the past. ". last three days.
Many racing fans at Aintree did not appear to notice the protest and cheered as the horses passed by.
Christine Maybin, 29, from Antrim, Northern Ireland, jogging with Dwayne McGurk, 31, said: "We were aware of the delay but we didn't realize it was because of the protesters, we thought they were fixing the fences".
McGurk said: "The delay didn't affect us, we just had another drink. We had an amazing day here."
Earlier on Saturday, Merseyside Police said three people were arrested for conspiring to cause a public nuisance, with a 25-year-old woman from London and a 55-year-old man from Greater Manchester arrested outside the racecourse on Saturday, and a 33- Year-old London area woman arrested in Greater Manchester today.
Nathan McGovern, spokesman for Animal Rising, said: "These actions show that police are spending more time going after peaceful protesters than tackling the real issues out there, like our broken relationship with animals and the climate emergency."
A police dispersal zone has been set up around the racecourse amid the threat of disruption.
Protesters blocked traffic on the M57 motorway around the same time that activists were trying to reach Aintree Racecourse.
North West Motorway Police said on Twitter: "We have several people sitting on the M57 at junction 2 northbound - motorway is closed."
National Highways said traffic stopped in both directions on the freeway between junctions one and two shortly before 5:15 p.m., but at 6 p.m. diverted through a ramp.
There have been delays of over an hour on the road from the M62 to Aintree.
The footage showed protesters in pink T-shirts on the road.
A spokesperson for Aintree Racecourse said: "We respect the right to peaceful protest, but we sincerely hope Animal Rising considers the legitimacy and accountability of the proposed actions.
"Their actions could endanger the horses they claim to protect, as well as the riders, officials and themselves.
"Unsurprisingly, we are working closely with Merseyside Police to ensure we protect the safety and enjoyment of everyone, including all participants, human or equine, in the Grand National."
Following the delay, Corach Rambler, trained by Lucinda Russell and ridden by Derek Fox, won the long distance race.
PA wire
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