Police say 118 people were arrested after animal rights activists delayed the start of the Grand National at Aintree on Saturday.
after falling at the first fence, meaning there have been three horse deaths at the 2023 meeting overall.
Dozens of others attempted to climb over or glue themselves to security fencing around the track but were led away, with police also confiscating ladders. "This began earlier this morning. There's been a number of protests outside and then that resulted earlier on today at about 5pm with numerous people trying to incur onto the course, which we, in partnership with the event organisers, and members of the public as well, have managed in the main to stop and and ultimately the event took place - albeit with a slight delay."
Mr White added: "We've had to uplift our resources significantly. Clearly we were very much aware there was a planned protest today. Dickon White, who runs the track as North West regional director for the Jockey Club, said the delay was caused by the "reckless actions of a small number of individuals".The police had previously said they would deal "robustly" with any disruption after animal rights activists threatened to sabotage the race.Aintree Racecourse warned that the actions of protestors could "endanger the horses they purport to protect, as well as jockeys, officials and themselves".
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