The British Horseracing Authority has said it would “never allow British horse racing to be coerced … by threats of protests” . It has also rejected a suggestion by Animal Rising that it could suspend its ongoing attempts to disrupt the sport if the BHA and Ascot agreed to a televised debate before the Royal meeting next week.
Animal Rising caused a 15-minute delay to the Grand National at Aintree in April when a small number of its members briefly gained access to the course. The animal rights group also organised a protest at the Epsom Derby this month when Ben Newman, one of its members, ran on to the track near the furlong-pole shortly after the start of the race. Newman pleaded not guilty to causing a public nuisance and is due to reappear at Guildford crown court on 6 July.
Newman’s incursion on to the track followed repeated claims by Animal Rising that as a non-violent organisation, it would not risk injury to horses or riders by attempting to disrupt a race after it had started. While the group disputes whether Newman was on the track before the off, a failure to stick to earlier assurances was also referenced by the BHA on Wednesday as it responded to Animal Rising’s invitation to a debate.
Louisa Hillwood, one of three members of Animal Rising involved in a media event on Wednesday morning, said “disruption is only one part of direct action – the other half is dialogue, which is just as important.
“Before the Epsom Derby we reached out to the British Horseracing Authority and the Jockey Club in good faith to have discussions about what we intended to do.
“Our position with Ascot is that we have also reached out to start dialogue with them, to call on them to accept a televised debate with Animal Rising and until then we will not rule out the possibility of disruption. If the racing industry really believes in what they are doing, they should have no concerns about defending it publicly.”
Newbury 1.50 Mabre 2.20 Enpassant 2.50 Lose Yourself 3.25 Johnjay 4.00 Flying Secret (nap) 4.30 Shobiz 5.05 Blindedbythelights
Yarmouth 2.00 Book Of Tales 2.30 Hidden Pearl 3.00 Catwalk Model 3.35 Mucky Mulconry 4.10 Eastern Charm 4.40 Mutanaaseq 5.10 Next Second
Nottingham 2.10 Foreign Exchange 2.40 Emma Emilleen 3.10 Bernadine 3.45 Temple Bruer (nb) 4.20 Dolly Gray 4.55 Hot Scoop 5.30 Storm Asset
Worcester 5.15 Mole Court 5.50 Harry The Norseman 6.20 The Boola Boss 6.50 Silver Sheen 7.20 Scarpia 7.50 Only Fools 8.25 Evenwood Sonofagun 9.00 Nibras Gold
Haydock Park 5.40 At Liberty 6.10 Star Of Mystery 6.40 Irish Nectar 7.10 Dandy Dinmont 7.40 Corinthian Kid 8.15 Bobby Dassler 8.50 Kamanika
The idea was swiftly dismissed by Julie Harrington, chief executive of the BHA, in a statement backed by Ascot racecourse. “Animal Rising said they will cease their protest activity this summer if British racing agrees to take part in a public debate about ‘the morals of horseracing’. We will never allow British horseracing to be coerced into any activity by threats of protests.
“Animal Rising have shown by their reckless actions at the Epsom Derby that their public promises cannot be trusted. They have demonstrated they are prepared to commit potentially unlawful acts and to directly threaten the safety of horses and people to generate publicity around their wider aims. These aims include the end of all use of animals by human beings. Once again I call on Animal Rising to end their reckless acts against a sport legally enjoyed by millions of people every year.”
Animal Rising suggested it intends to widen the aim of its action. “Animal Rising will be looking to cancel the Greyhound Derby final in Towcester,” Robert Gordon, another spokesperson for the group, said.
Sandown 1.30 Chinese Knot 2.05 Whats In The Bag 2.40 Inner City 3.15 Sweet Reward (nap) 3.50 Penzance 4.25 Senesi 5.00 Fair Dinkum (nb)
Chepstow 1.40 Gert Lush 2.15 Lordship 2.50 Sioux Warrior 3.25 Airshow 4.00 Jacquelina 4.35 Matty Too 5.10 Letter Of The Law
York 1.50 Westernesse 2.25 Travel Candy 3.00 Dora Penny 3.35 Shining Blue 4.10 Angel Shared 4.45 Another Investment 5.21 Red Force One
Aintree 5.15 Copper Beach 5.50 Hadley Park 6.25 Landen Calling 7.00 De Barley Basket 7.35 Chaos Control 8.10 Magistrato 8.45 Dicey Rielly
Goodwood 5.30 Phoenix Duchess 6.05 Lucky Fifteen 6.40 Get Back Get Back 7.15 Miss Mai Tai 7.50 Fairbanks 8.20 Cancan In The Rain
Fontwell 6.10 Woodie Flash 6.45 Another Mystery 7.20 Pak Army 7.55 Premier D’Troice 8.25 Monty’s Award 9.00 Testflight
“It’s the biggest race in this cruel sport, arguably the most prestigious competition in the world with first prize money of £175,000, which is more than 10 times greater than the next most valuable race. This is the pinnacle of dog racing and we plan to be there to disrupt it.”
