‘One thousand’ protestors target Epsom Derby and Royal Ascot in plans

The protestors who stormed the track prior to the Grand National have announced that they are planning to cause chaos this summer. Animal Rising have revealed that they intend on campaigning at the Epsom Derby in June, with Royal Ascot also at risk later that month too.

Over 100 arrests were made at Aintree last month prior to the showpiece event, won by Corach Rambler, with several protestors storming the track before the off and glueing themselves to fences in a bid to have the race called off. Their bid was largely unsuccessful though, with the event starting just 14 minutes after the scheduled time, though the protests may have kickstarted what could be a chaotic few months for the sport.

Animal Rising have promised a ‘summer of action’, having also stormed the track at Ayr prior to the running of the Scottish Grand National. The Epsom Derby has been highlighted as the group’s next destination, with the group claiming that they have informed the Jockey Club and the British Horseracing Authority that they intend on stopping the one-mile-and-four-furlong sprint from taking place.

They told the Daily Mail: “We will be doing everything non-violently possible to prevent the horses from coming to harm. It will involve putting our bodies on the line so that the horses aren’t forced to do the same. We will openly voice our concerns and intentions so that all animal lovers will have the opportunity to take part.”

Animal Rising expects ‘one thousand’ protestors to participate in their Derby campaign on June 3, though it is not yet certain whether they will have that level of participation on the day.

The activists announced on Twitter: “Next month, hundreds of animal lovers will stand together in protest at The Epsom Derby Festival. Join us in being part of a kinder world that values and protects all life. Together we can not only highlight our broken relationship with animals, but we can also lead by example. This is love in action.

“The disruption of the Grand National was the first action in the Summer of Animal Rising. Over the next few months, we will be protecting animals from harm and exploitation while also painting a vision for a new relationship with nature and other beings.”

Royal Ascot, which takes place from June 20 to June 24, may also come under threat given the promise of disruption over the coming months. But it remains to be seen what measures the group take given that Animal Rising were widely criticised by those within the industry for upsetting the horses and causing them unnecessary stress in the parade ring before the Grand National.