There is an 'indefinite delay' to this year's Grand National after protesters managed to get onto the course. The race is set to be the biggest and best yet as the 175th running of the famous race, but there have been a number of protests.
Police estimated around 70-80 protestors from campaign group Animal Rising were at the entrance to the racecourse ahead of the day's action, where they were greeted by a heavy police presence, The Mirror reports.
When it does get underway, a field of 39 will contest the the world's biggest steeplechase at Aintree, with today's race anticipated to be the most-watched Grand National in history, Wales Online reports. But just before 5pm some protesters managed to break through the ring of steel to make it on the racecourse and tried to glue themselves to the second fence.
Are you planning an event for King Charles III’s Coronation? Let us know here
TV footage appeared to show some activists on the course itself, with suggestions from those speaking on ITV that some had been hiding in the fences. There were claims that activists were trying to "glue themselves" to the obstacles.
Two people were arrested outside on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance. A 25-year-old woman from London was arrested at about 11.20am while a man was arrested around 30 minutes later.
Another woman, aged 33, from the London area, was arrested in the Greater Manchester earlier on Saturday in connection with potential co-ordinated disruption activities at Aintree racecourse.
Merseyside Police said they had planned for the possibility of protests. They had previously said they would deal "robustly" with any disruption after animal rights activists threatened to sabotage the race.
"Merseyside Police has been working with The Jockey Club and other partners to keep people safe during the Grand National Festival," they said.
"We are aware of some people planning to protest at the event. This has been factored into our plans. We respect the right to peaceful protest and expression of views, but criminal behaviour and disorder will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly."
READ NEXT:
