Trainer Lucinda Russell says Grand National protestors are ‘compromising horses’ welfare’
‘It’s a pain in the neck’: Trainer of Grand National winner Corach Rambler accuses protesters of ‘endangering the welfare of the horses’ after the race was held up by activists breaking into the track
- Saturday’s Grand National was delayed after protesters forced their way into the track
- Winning horse Corach Rambler’s trainer called them “pain in the neck”
- One horse, Dark Raven, was killed after a bad fall during the race
Lucinda Russell, trainer of Grand National winner Corach Rambler, has accused activists who slowed the race by breaking into the course of “endangering the welfare of the horses.”
The start was delayed after animal rights protesters drove onto the course and tried to hang on to jumps.
Activists from Animal Rising, an environmental and animal rights group, tried to climb fences and break on the grass before the race.
Russell said of the disruption, “It’s a real pain in the neck. Are the demonstrators doing it for themselves or for the horses?
“If they’re doing it for the horses, they need to understand that they’re putting their well-being on the line right now.
Lucinda Russell, trainer of Grand National winner Corach Rambler, called the race-delayed protests “pain in the neck”
The horse ridden by Derek Fox won comfortably after being voted 8/1 favourite
“We can take them back, keep them safe and cool, but really it all seems a bit pointless.”
Former jockey Peter Scudamore, who is part of the Corach Rambler team, added to ITV Racing: ‘I’m sorry for the horses.
“While the demonstrators are doing this, it is affecting the well-being of the horses. I wish people would see the care the stable staff give to these horses.’
The race started at 5.30pm and Corach Rambler won comfortably despite the 15 minute delay.
At least one horse went down before the first obstacle, as did another at the second obstacle.
The start of the race was delayed by 15 minutes due to protests from animal rights activists
Several other jockeys tumbled, but their horses continued. Two then left the main track but continued to run alongside it.
One runner, Dark Raven, was dropped after the race due to injuries sustained from a bad fall on a hurdle.
It was the second death at this year’s event, after Envoye Special died in an earlier race on Thursday.
Animal Rising said they were “heartbroken” by the deaths and claimed it was time to “ban this heinous industry.”