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.
