Grand National delayed as animal rights protestors…

Grand National delayed as animal rights protestors storm racecourse at Aintree

The Grand National has been met with delay after disruption from animal rights activists at Aintree racecourse. The start time of 5.15pm has been pushed back after confirmation of an "indefinite hold".

ITV broadcast footage showed a number of protesters attempting to scale fences around the perimeter of the course, as police sought to keep them out. Ladders were used to try and climb into the grounds shortly before the main race was due to get underway.

More scenes screened on TV 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.

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A tweet from ITV Racing at 5.08pm confirmed: "The Randox Grand National is officially delayed". On ITV, presenter Ed Chamberlain said: “We have an indefinite delay because protesters have got onto the racecourse. Bear in mind this (Aintree) is a massive site, it’s such a difficult site for police and protestors to keep people off."

A message sent out by Animal Rising Press Office shortly after 5pm claimed that "dozens of supporters of Animal Rising have climbed fences with at least 2 affixing themselves to a jump on the course."

In words sent as part of the press release, Sarah McCaffrey, a shopworker and student - one of those allegedly disrupting the track - was quoted as saying: "Whether it’s for food or for fun, our use of animals and nature is symbolic of a relationship beyond broken. We’re a nation of animal lovers, but the pain these beautiful creatures experience daily does not do that label justice. We need to find ways of loving animals that don’t hurt them."

Shortly after 5.15pm, the jockeys were sent out for a group picture in the parade ring, and it appeared the race was set to proceed. The race started at around 5.30pm.

This morning, protesters gathered outside the course ahead of the final day of the race meeting, with police making several arrests during that part of the day. A 'slow march' around Aintree also took place, with members of the group taking action in the form of 'civil resistance against the barbaric practice of horse racing'.

Animal Rising activists had previously outlined their aim to scale the fences and enter the track before the Grand National race.

An animal rights protester is apprehended by police officers (PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Nathan McGovern, a spokesperson for Animal Rising, had said: "We do plan to be periodically blocking Ormskirk Road, the access road to the front of the racecourse, to disrupt the entry to the venue throughout [Saturday].

"The group of people at the front will be peacefully attempting to make their way over perimeter fences/walls at the front of Aintree before the Grand National race begins with the intention of making their way on to the track.

"And all of this is before the race even starts. We will not be entering the track if there are horses and jockeys riding."

In a statement earlier this week, Merseyside Police confirmed they were aware of the scheduled protest and were working on a "robust" plan alongside the Jockey Club and other partners to keep people at Aintree safe.

The force said in the build-up: “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.”

Last year, a peak audience in excess of 7m viewers tuned in to watch the Grand National on ITV as Sam Waley-Cohen won the race on Noble Yeats, with millions more watching around the world.

Earlier this afternoon, a horse named Dark Raven fell in the 3pm Mersey Novices' Hurdle race and had to be put down. It was the second horse death of this year's festival, following a fatal injury for Envoye Special on Thursday.

In the last decade, British Racing has invested more than £20m into veterinary activities including research and education. The governing body also has self-imposed and enforced welfare standards which they say exceed national animal welfare legislation.

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