Protester dramatically wrestled to ground and dragged off Epsom racecourse
It comes after police arrested 31 people ahead of the Derby, including 12 in the grounds.
Protesters arrested attempting to stop Epsom Derby
Two protesters have been arrested while attempting to disrupt the Epsom Derby. One man managed to jump a fence before being tackled and handcuffed by police on the racecourse as the crowd jeered and booed.
Protester at Epsom in the derby! ������ pic.twitter.com/ceV2YQE9Je
— Jackmack (@iamjackmack) June 3, 2023
Seconds later a woman tried to climb the fence onto the course, but was pulled to the ground by police officers.
Despite pledges by activist group Animal Rising to "cancel or severely delay" the Derby, the race continued as planned just after the protesters were carried away.
Observers described the situation as "ludicrous" and "absolute insanity" while others thanked the police for putting a stop to the protests.
Animal Rising said the fact the Derby started while a protester was still on the course was a "sickening display" of profit being treated as more important than animal welfare.
The group tweeted: "Despite The Jockey Club's claim that the horses safety is paramount, they decided to start the race DESPITE KNOWING THAT A PROTESTER WAS ON THE TRACKS. Another sickening display of profit (over) care for animals."
It comes after the Express exposed the fanatics' plot to disrupt the Derby with security at the raceground strengthened as a result of our investigation.
Animal Rising activists had hoped to mingle with racegoers before targeting the Surrey track, but police swooped in earlier to make 31 arrests in a bid to thwart the plot.
The Jockey Club also obtained a High Court injunction threatening jail for Animal Rising activists intent on spoiling the fun for thousands of racegoers.
In a statement shortly after two Animal Rising activists were tackled to the ground as they tried to run on to the racecourse, a spokesman for Surrey Police said: “We can confirm that 31 people have been arrested in connection with planned criminal activity at the Epsom Derby Festival this afternoon.
“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. 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.
“A total of 12 people have been arrested within the Epsom Downs racecourse since the event began this morning, also in connection with planned criminal activity. One man was arrested after he ran onto the racetrack after a race had started. He was quickly removed by event security and police officers, meaning the race was not disrupted.”
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Our reporter, Max Parry, had infiltrated the organisation and witnessed "non-violent training sessions" at a building in east London.
Organiser Beau King Houston told participants he had "never had a bad experience" once arrested, boasting: "Honestly being in a cell is like being in a really s*** hotel room."
Surrey Police said 11 people were arrested at addresses in Mitcham and Byfleet in the early hours of Saturday morning after warrants based on intelligence received ahead of the festival.
Eight people were also arrested after a vehicle stopped in Burgh Heath at about 10.20am.
All were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance and remain in police custody.
Louise Hillwood, who claimed she was wrongfully arrested before King Charles's Coronation and released without charge, gave a speech at a gathering of activists outside the Surrey racetrack.
She said: "As long as there are industries where animals are being harmed like the horse racing industry, like when animals are exploited for food, for entertainment, for sports, there will be people who are willing to step in and use their bodies to put themselves between harm and the animals."
Speaking afterwards, she described the arrests on Saturday morning as "police over-reach", adding: "I do think it's heavy-handed. These are peaceful protests.
"If I had to jump over a fence to protect an animal from harm, I would do that. What happened today with the 19 people arrested is an over-reach and an abuse of their power."
Saturday's action comes after protesters attempted to disrupt the Grand National at Aintree Racecourse where more than 100 arrests were made.
Kerri Waters, a PhD researcher and one of those who aimed to disrupt the Derby, said: "On Friday we saw Running Lion refuse to ride in the Oaks race, showing bravery and resistance to being used as an object and treated like property.
"That is exactly why we’ve attempted to disrupt the Derby and, once again, shone the spotlight on our broken relationship with other animals and the natural world."
Churchill Downs, which is the home of the Kentucky Derby, has announced that the deaths of a dozen horses in recent weeks mean it will be suspend races.
Animal Rising said the cancelled races are a "clear example" of the risks associated with horseracing being "simply unacceptable", urging The Jockey Club to follow suit.
Nevin Truesdale, Chief Executive of The Jockey Club, accused Saturday's protesters of entering the race track after the Derby had begun and while it was being run. Animal Rising denied this, saying protesters invaded the course before the race started.
Mr Truesdale 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 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."
