Epsom Derby organisers spend £150,000 on additional security measures in bid to deter Animal Rising
Epsom Derby organizers are spending £150,000 on extra security to prevent ‘up to 1,000’ militant animal rights activists from disrupting tomorrow’s big race
The Jockey Club has warned animal rights activists that they will not tolerate ‘illegal and reckless behaviour’ during this afternoon’s Betfred Derby and that they are determined to prosecute anyone who attempts to disrupt the race.
Animal Rising has vowed to ignore a Supreme Court order designed to stop protesters from taking to the track.
The Jockey Club has invested £150,000 in additional security in an unprecedented security operation in partnership with Surrey Police.
But the open nature of Epsom Downs, where the historic race has been held for 243 years, means it’s impossible to encase the course in a ring of steel.
Nevin Truesdale, chief executive of the Jockey Club, said: “Animal Rising has repeatedly made it explicitly clear that they intend to break the law and disrupt Saturday racing, leaving us with no choice but to defer the Supreme Court order. search that was granted last week.
Despite additional security measures, Animal Rising will attack the Epsom Derby (protesters pictured in 2022) for the second year in a row, after conspiring to disrupt the Grand National
Jockey Club chief Nevin Truesdale revealed £150,000 has been spent on stepping up security
Organizers hope the special measures will thwart the group’s claims that the course is “unverifiable.”
“That court order provides a clear path to prosecution, fines and even the threat of imprisonment, and we will not hesitate to enforce that if anyone tries to disrupt the Derby Festival.
“We will not tolerate a repeat of the illegal and reckless behavior we saw on Grand National Day and whether there are law-breaking protests on the track, at the racecourse entry points or in the parade ring, we will deal with those responsible. robust.
‘We believe everyone should have the right to peaceful protest and have offered Animal Rising an area at the entrance to Epsom Downs Racecourse to do so.
But just as they have a right to express their views in a law-abiding manner, so do the tens of thousands of people who will join us on Derby Day and millions more who watch around the world to enjoy the undisturbed sport they love.’
Animal Rising delayed the start of the Grand National at Aintree in April when 118 protesters were arrested but no one has been charged.
Protesters from the vegan group, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, have since disrupted the Scottish Grand National rally in Ayr and a rally in Doncaster. Six protesters took to the track before last year’s Derby but were quickly removed.
Animal Rising’s radical goals include stopping racing, but also the human property of pets such as cats and dogs.
The activists previously targeted this year’s Grand National, delaying the start by 14 minutes
The group’s meddling led to 118 campaigners being arrested after authorities were tipped off