…Researched and contributed by Lola Smith.
A mother, Jo Nagra, who was crushed by two stampeding horses at the Grand National, has revealed that she was unable to leave the area due to the lockdown caused by Animal Rising protesters who had stormed the racecourse posing as racegoers.
The incident occurred when the jockeys of Recite a Prayer and Galvin were unseated at the first fence, causing the horses to run towards racegoers standing by concrete bollards.
Mrs Nagra and her family were walking back to their vehicle at the Steeplechase car park but were stuck in the area due to the lockdown.
She said the protesters “should have never been allowed” to remain in that position, and recalled the terrifying moment the horses were “hurtling” towards her.
Mrs Nagra suffered injuries that have left her unable to walk, and she is awaiting results to find out if she has permanent tissue damage to her legs.
The mother, from Birmingham, West Midlands, detailed that she still has no feeling in her foot.
She expressed concern that somebody could have died due to the serious health and safety issue. She added that she is traumatised, and her entire family is affected by the incident.
An Aintree Racecourse spokesperson confirmed that they are looking into the matter.
Animal Rising protesters, an environmental and animal rights group, were seen attempting to climb over fences to gain access to the grounds, and breaking onto the grass ahead of the race.
Merseyside police confirmed that 118 people were arrested.
The alleged ringleader of the protest, Rose Patterson, 33, was arrested in Greater Manchester by Merseyside Police following an investigation by the Mail On Sunday into the plot.
A 25-year-old woman from London and a man were also arrested outside the racecourse on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance.
Distressing footage of Hill Sixteen’s fall was shared by animal rights activists online before the Jockey Club spokesperson confirmed the horse’s death.
Animal rights groups, including PETA, were quick to share the news on social media.
Several other jockeys also tumbled at the early stages but their horses continued.
Two then left the main track but continued to run alongside the other steeds.
The race did finally get underway at around 5.30pm, but at least one horse went down before the first hurdle, as did a second at the second fence.
Two other horses have been rushed away in horse ambulances with life-threatening injuries.
The winner of the Grand National was Corach Rambler, at odds of 8-1.
This incident highlights the impact of protests and disruptions at major events.
While it is essential to express opinions, it is crucial to do so safely and without endangering others.
The Animal Rising protesters’ actions put several people’s lives at risk, including Mrs Nagra and her family, and the horses involved in the race.
Such protests can cause chaos and disrupt the running of the event.
The Grand National organisers are looking into the matter to prevent such incidents in the future.