Campaign group Animal Rising has confirmed its planned protest to disrupt the Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.
The showpiece horse race is due to get underway at 5.15pm on Saturday. However, animal rights campaigners plan to be at the racecourse earlier that day ahead of a busy programme of races.
Animal Rising has reiterated plans of a peaceful protest on the day, followed by efforts to disrupt the feature race itself in the afternoon. A message has also been sent to those planning to place bets on the Grand National.
“We're going to be there from 9.30 in the morning," Animal Rising's Alex Lockwood told GB News.
"We're going to ask everyone who cares about animals and wants to stop harm to come and join us down there. And we're going to protest outside the front perfectly legally and peacefully. Then, from there, we're going to see if we can disrupt the race because we really want to stop the harm.”
Lockwood denied there was a risk of causing harm to the animals “No, not at all. Because if we're going to do anything, we're going to do it before the race gets started," he said. "That's our plan. We believe that people in this country are rightly worried right now about the natural world and our treatment of it.
“That includes animals and the fact we are pumping sewage into our rivers. We are also failing to support farmers in transition to more sustainable methods. But this is about treating wonderful animals like horses, not as if they're money making machines.
“There is going to be harm. We are saying to people to bear in mind that when you're putting a bet on the Grand National, there are horses in that race that have got a better chance of dying than of winning.”
What do you make of the planned protest? Have your say in the comments section
A spokesperson for Aintree Racecourse told Mirror Sport: “We respect the right to peaceful protest but sincerely hope that Animal Rising reflect 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.
“As you would expect we are working closely with Merseyside Police to ensure we protect the safety and enjoyment of everyone, including all participants, human or equine, at the Grand National.”
The Grand National is one of several races on the third day of the Aintree festival. A 40-strong field has been announced for the event.
Mirror Sport has contacted Merseyside Police for comment in the light of the latest developments.
