The Grand National was delayed for 15 minutes after protestors gained entry to the Aintree race track ahead of the showpiece event.
ITV's coverage showed protestors from campaign group Animal Rising attempting to climb a fence, while others attempted to attach themselves to jumps and fences. Police and security teams moved in swiftly to remove the protestors, but Aintree announced an 'indefinite' delay to the start of the race.
The runners had been in the paddock when the protesters rushed onto the course, with ITV reporting they would be taken back to the pre-parade area before a new start time was decided. Three minutes after the original start time, the jockeys finally exited the weighing room.
Police and security teams were cheered by the crowd as the protestors were removed, with members of the public also appearing to help to clear the course. The race finally got underway just under 15 minutes after the original start time.
The protestors' actions left the racing community furious, with ITV's pundits blasting their actions.
ITV host Ed Chamberlain said: "My message to these guys would be, why today? What about the rest of the year? Come with us, we will show you how these horses are looked after.
"I saw Kevin Blake do an excellent interview with a protestor the other day and he said to the guy 'how many stables have you been to?' And he looked blank. Come and see, come and see the way these horses are looked after. The six star hotels, the love, the grooms the trainers, the owners give these horses."
Ruby Walsh added: “They’re attention seekers. They’ve no understanding how these horses are looked after.” AP McCoy said: "They're attention seekers. That's what they are. And unfortunately we're giving them attention and allowing them to be taken off the track.
"I got into racing because I love horses. And I still love horses now I'm retired. And I think these people, if they had that much care... they've never even been to stables. They've no real understanding of the horse and how well they get looked after."
Animal Rising, the group behind the protests, released a statement after the incident, calling for the Grand National to be cancelled.
"Supporters of Animal Rising have run onto the tracks ahead of the Grand National Handicap Race, delaying the race indefinitely," a statement from the group read.
"In the UK alone, 49 horses have died or been killed so far this year due to horseracing: this is unacceptable. We are a nation of animal lovers - we shouldn't be harming animals for entertainment, food or any other reason. It's time to create a kinder future. Sign and share our petition to cancel the Grand National."
Police estimated around 70-80 protestors from the campaign group were at the entrance to the racecourse ahead of the day's action, where they were greeted by a heavy police presence.
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."
Campaign group Animal Rising had talked up its planned protest to disrupt the Grand National at Aintree throughout the week. They arrived at the racecourse in the morning at around 9:30am and called for those who "care about animals" to join them.
Animal Rising's Alex Lockwood also sent a message to those gambling on the race as he spoke to GB News on Friday evening and denied their actions would risk causing harm to the animals.
He said: “No, not at all. Because if we're going to do anything, we're going to do it before the race gets started," he said. "That's our plan. We believe that people in this country are rightly worried right now about the natural world and our treatment of it.
“That includes animals and the fact we are pumping sewage into our rivers. We are also failing to support farmers in transition to more sustainable methods. But this is about treating wonderful animals like horses, not as if they're money making machines.
“There is going to be harm. We are saying to people to bear in mind that when you're putting a bet on the Grand National, there are horses in that race that have got a better chance of dying than of winning.”
A spokesperson for Aintree Racecourse told Mirror Sport before the race: “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.
“As you would expect we are working closely with Merseyside Police to ensure we protect the safety and enjoyment of everyone, including all participants, human or equine, at the Grand National.”
Earlier in the week, the British Horseracing Authority hit out at ITV for leaving them out of a debate around protests which saw Animal Rising featured on Tuesday's episode of Good Morning Britain.
The BHA was not invited on alongside the protest group, much to their frustration. and thee regulatory authority hit out at both ITV and Animal Rising, insisting that it is "proud" of the role it plays in improving animal welfare.
"British racing was not offered the opportunity to put up a spokesperson for this debate. We have contacted producers at GMB to request that an opportunity is provided to redress the balance," a statement from the group read.
"Everyone involved in British racing is rightly proud of our sport and the role it plays in providing an unparalleled quality of life for horses bred for racing. Love and respect for horses underpins the work of everybody in the sport.
"It is recognised by the Government as one of Britain’s best regulated animal activities, and the use of horses in sport when correct welfare standards are in place is endorsed by genuine welfare charities.
"While we respect the rights of anyone to protest safely and legally, we condemn any action which is illegal, especially if it puts at risk the safety of horses, jockeys, officials or the thousands of fans who rightly want to enjoy one of the greatest sporting events in the world.
"The idea that a potentially dangerous stunt which could harm horses is in any way beneficial for their welfare is clearly wrong."
