The winner of this year's Grand National was Corach Rambler, trained by Lucinda Russell and ridden by Derek Fox. The race was delayed due to protesters on the track - starting 15 minutes late.
Crowds turned out to enjoy a day at the races despite fears of disruption as three people were arrested ahead of the famous race. Racegoers made their way into Aintree Racecourse in Merseyside on Saturday past about 50 protesters, holding Animal Rising banners and flags.
About 15 demonstrators were reported to have been on the course but were escorted away by police and security staff. Racegoers cheered as the horses made their way onto the track.
Nine people were arrested at Aintree Racecourse after a large number of protesters attempted to gain entry to the track, delaying the start of the Grand National, Merseyside Police said.
Claudia Penna Rojas, from Animal Rising, said: “The reason we’re here today is first and foremost for these horses. We’re animal lovers, as I’m sure are most people here today, and we want to protect them and keep them safe and unfortunately with events like the Grand National and when we exploit animals in general for entertainment or for food we are putting them directly in harm’s way.”
She said the group would be demonstrating outside the course. A police dispersal zone was in place around the racecourse amid the threat of disruption.
Merseyside Police said three people had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance, with a 25-year-old woman from London and a 55-year-old man from Greater Manchester arrested outside the racecourse on Saturday and a 33-year-old woman from the London area arrested in the Greater Manchester area earlier in the day. An Aintree Racecourse spokesperson said: “We respect the right to peaceful protest but sincerely hope that Animal Rising reflect on whether their proposed actions are legitimate and responsible.
"Their actions could endanger the horses they purport to protect, as well as jockeys, officials and themselves."
