Security at the Derby and Royal Ascot will be stepped up amid fears that animal rights activists will strike again after disrupting the Grand National, the Guardian understands.
However organisers remain particularly concerned that it will be difficult to stop the protesters getting on to the Derby course on 3 June – given the vastness of the Epsom grounds and the opportunity to get close to the track via “The Hill”, an area that is not ticketed and is free to access for spectators.
Last year six women activists from Animal Rebellion were arrested on the home straight after breaking onto the course just minutes before the Derby. However the group, which has renamed itself Animal Rising, has hinted it plans to make a far bigger splash in the race this year, as well as potentially sabotaging other major races on the flat.
“We’d anticipate disrupting other racing events throughout the year,” its spokesperson, Nathan McGovern, told the Guardian. “The overriding point for us is the fact that we are using animals for our entertainment. Everything is on the table when we are looking to prevent harm to animals and our relationship to them. Whether it’s over the jumps, on the flat, or in a bacon sandwich there’s very little difference as far as we’re concerned.”
On Saturday 118 protesters were arrested after the start of the world’s most famous steeplechase was delayed by 14 minutes. And while the Grand National still went ahead, McGovern insisted that the protest had been a huge success given the enormous press and TV debate over animal rights it had provoked.
“We would absolutely consider the seismic shift in national dialogue and debate as a success,” he said. “We’ve lit the fire of this conversation and we are going to continue to stoke it this year. Everything peaceful and non-violent is on the table.”
Other events that could be targeted include the 2,000 Guineas on 6 May, where the king’s horse Slipofthepen is due to run, along with Royal Ascot from 20-24 June. A spokesperson for the Jockey Club said the organisation never comments on security matters.
