Climate activists have reportedly been plotting to “ruin” the Grand National by forming a human barricade across the racecourse.
On April 15, members of Animal Rebellion, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, plan to disrupt the UK's most prestigious horse racing event at Aintree by sneaking in with ladders and bolt cutters, according to reports.
In undercover Mail on Sunday footage, a woman can be heard saying to a group of people: “Basically the kick-off action for this whole campaign is going to be at the Grand National. The biggest horse race in the world.
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“We have 600 million people viewing this horse race worldwide, we’ve got £300m of bets on the horse race and we’re just going to ruin it.”
People could be heard laughing after the woman spoke of attempting to ruin the event, which is reportedly the first of the group’s racing targets. The newspaper reports more than 100 activists had signed up to take part, with the climate group planning to take them to the racecourse in mini buses.
In another clip, a female voice could be heard talking about the plan, saying: “There are like 100 of you now at the fence. You get the ladders out. Put them up against the fence and you’re the first one over. You start climbing that fence and you see security on the other side. You don’t care, you know you’re doing the right thing.”
They then plan to glue themselves to the course, it is reported. Lovers of the National were quick to condemn the ‘vegan mob’, with one person writing on social media: “Time we just started ripping these people off whatever they glue themselves to, a few massive sores will soon encourage them to not do it.”
Another added: “The police should stop messing about. No hours spent getting ‘experts’ in with special solvents., just rip them off the ground. Their choice, their consequences.”
Animal Rebellion's website makes reference to "The Last Grand National" and notes it is "As advertised by the Mail on Sunday".
Speaking to the Guardian Rose Patterson, a member of the group, said: “This April we are launching the biggest campaign to protect animals and the climate this country has ever seen. One undercover Mail on Sunday reporter is not going to stop teachers, nurses and more from acting for all life and really beginning the crucial conversation about our broken relationship with other animals.
“Since 2000, this event alone has killed 40 animals. Most people would say they love animals, so why are we OK with this? Whether it is for food or for sport, our relationship with animals is beyond broken. This conversation is vital if we are to tackle the root causes of our climate and ecological crises.”
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "Merseyside Police has a robust policing plan in place for Aintree, as it does for any major public event, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
"We have been working with our partners, including The Jockey Club, for a number of months in the build up to this year’s festival to ensure that any necessary plans and processes are in place to deal with any incidents that may arise and to prevent any significant or ongoing disruption to racegoers and local residents and businesses.
"We respect the right to peaceful protest and expression of views, but public order or criminal offences will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly."
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