…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
Animal rights campaigners are planning to disrupt the Grand National at Aintree racecourse.
The group, Animal Rising, is planning to execute tactics used by Just Stop Oil protesters in recent months to prevent the event from going ahead.
The group is planning to have 300 protesters storm the track to stop the race, which is due to begin at 5.15 pm.
This is 30 years after the National was abandoned in its 184-year history when a small group of protesters removed from the track caused serious flaws in the starting and recall procedures.
Preparing for Protests
Police have already announced they will “robustly” defend the race from disruption and are working with Aintree’s owners The Jockey Club in preparation for any incidents.
The police have been preparing for months to ensure that any necessary plans and processes are in place to deal with any incidents that may arise and prevent any significant or ongoing disruption to racegoers and local residents and businesses.
Protesters’ Plan
Animal Rising, which changed its name from Animal Rebellion on Monday to avoid confusion with Extinction Rebellion, wants to use the event to highlight the “broken relationship” between humans and animals.
Alex Lockwood, from Animal Rising, said, “Tomorrow we’re going to be there from 9.30 in the morning.
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.”
Animal Welfare Concerns
Animal Rising also claims that some of the horses that run the Grand National face the risk of death, saying, “There are horses in that race that have got a better chance of dying than of winning.”
The group is concerned about the natural world and the treatment of animals, including horses, which are treated like money-making machines.
Envoye Special, ridden by James King, died following a fall on Thursday, becoming the 60th horse to have died at Aintree in the past 23 years.
Police Response
The police respect the right to peaceful protest and expression of views, but they will not tolerate public order or criminal offences and will deal with them robustly.
The police have already announced they are working with Aintree’s owners The Jockey Club to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
The Jockey Club has also issued a statement saying that it takes horse welfare seriously and has a range of measures in place to ensure that horses’ safety and welfare are prioritized.