Protestor detained by police at Epsom Derby after running onto racecourse
A protestor evaded a heavy police presence and ran onto the Epsom Derby course - but failed to disrupt the race.
The man burst onto the track just after the race started, which was won by Auguste Rodin, at 1.30pm.
He was quickly tackled and dragged off the track by police and security as bystanders heckled ‘get him off the track!’
The man was cleared to the side of the track around a minute before the horses came steaming past for their final sprint.
He was then carried away by police officers after the race.
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The protestor was tackled by police and stewards (PA)Nevin Truesdale, Chief Executive of The Jockey Club, said: “Our security teams and the police acted swiftly and decisively to remove an Animal Rising protester who entered the racetrack after The Derby had started and while the race was being run.
“This reckless and illegal behaviour which threatened the safety of our equine and human athletes is a breach of the High Court injunction which The Jockey Club obtained last week and prohibits trespass. The court order provides a clear route to prosecution, fines and even the threat of prison for Contempt of Court and we will now take steps to enforce that.
“Animal Rising have repeatedly stated that they would not attempt to disrupt any races while in progress and we utterly condemn their deplorable and mindless actions today.
“The Derby was first run in 1780 and has continued despite two world wars, the COVID pandemic and a number of other extreme challenges. That the 244th running of the race was able to take place on time today is testament to the determination of everyone to stage one of British sport’s most iconic and loved events.”
The spectator was detained (PA)There was a heavy police presence at the course amid protestors’ threats to disrupt the Derby.
Armed officers had been patrolling outside the racecourse, while security and police were lining the track itself.
It comes after 19 activists from the Animal Rising group were arrested on Saturday morning by Surrey Police.
The group had threatened to force abandonment of the historic horse race in Surrey.
A police statement read: "Eleven people were arrested at addresses in Mitcham and Byfleet in the early hours, following warrants based on intelligence received ahead of the Epsom Derby Festival.
Nineteen people were arrested on Saturday morning (PA)"A further eight people were arrested after their vehicle was stopped on Canons Lane in Burgh Heath at around 10.20am this morning. All were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance and remain in police custody.
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"Superintendent Michael Hodder said: “We have been clear in our approach that criminal activity will not be tolerated at the Epsom Derby Festival. As a result of intelligence, we have arrested 19 people who we believe were intent on illegally disrupting today’s events.
“Our officers will be at the event throughout the day to continue in keeping the public safe and preventing criminality.”
There was a heavy security presence at Epsom (PA)And at around 11.30am Animal Rising had issued a “final plea” to the Jockey Club, which organises the Epsom Derby.
It wrote: “Animal Rising is calling on the Jockey Club to cancel the Epsom Derby and protect horses. The group says that horse racing already poses an unacceptable level of risk and that any disruption would add to the need to call off the race.”
Around 40 protestors from the group are gathered outside the racecourse today, holding banners reading “animal abuse isn’t a sport” and “love over harm”.
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