Grand National delayed as protesters forcibly removed from racecourse

Sixty-one horses have died at the Aintree Festival since the year 2000

The BBC reported that two or three protesters breached security and attempted to glue themselves to the fence, but were led away by police.

Animal Rising earlier announced plans to prevent the steeplechase from starting, with up to 300 activists planning to scale fences and enter the track.

It said: "We will be slow marching around the perimeter and at some point we may peacefully try to make our way towards the track, again to prevent this race from happening because we know horses are being harmed."

Former jockey Peter Scudamore, who is part of the Corach Rambler team, on ITV Racing: "I am sorry for the horses. While the protestors do this it affects the welfare of the horses. I wish people would see the care the stable staff give to these horses."

Ahead of the Grand National race, three people were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance, including 25-year-old spokesperson Claudia Penna Rojas.

A man and a 33-year-old woman were detained in Greater Manchester on suspicion of the same offence.

Protesters did not delay the first race from getting underway at 1.45pm.

The news comes after a second horse, Dark Raven, died at the event.

The horse was put down after falling in the 3pm race, becoming the second to die at the festival this year. Envoye Special died on the first day of the festival.

Simon Munir’s gelding fell in the Aintree Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle, sustaining an injury that prompted on-course vets to take the decision to euthanise him.

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.”

Since 2000, 61 horses have now died at the Aintree Festival, with 15 at the Grand National.

Four horses died at the 2022 Aintree Festival, with two horses being destroyed after the Grand National.