Epsom Derby organisers thank police and security staff for snuffing out animal rights protest

Jockey Club chief executive Nevin Truesdale hailed the ‘swift and decisive’ action of the police and security teams as threats to disrupt the Derby by animal rights activists were snubbed out.

Controversially, one activist identified as Ben Newman, who has acted as a spokesperson for Animal Rising, leapt over the rail near the furlong pole seconds after the Derby field had left the starting stalls.

His actions contradicted previous claims from the vegan mob that none of their actions would potentially put horses and jockeys at risk.

But he was quickly tackled by police and stewards to a loud cheer from the grandstand.

A female protester who also tried to get on the track was quickly restrained by police.

One activist leapt over the rail near the furlong pole seconds after the Derby field had left the starting stalls

Police had their hands full at Epsom as many protestors attempted to disrupt Saturday’s event

The security was so good many were unaware the protestors had got onto the track

Angry onlookers could be heard screaming, with one man shouting, “kick her head in”, while police threw her to the floor and handcuffed her just as the horses thundered past the finishing line.

Jockeys including Frankie Dettori said they were unaware protestors had got onto the track.

Truesdale said: ‘Our security teams and the police acted swiftly and decisively to remove an Animal Rising protester who entered the racetrack after the Derby had started and while the race was being run.

‘This reckless and illegal behaviour which threatened the safety of our equine and human athletes is a breach of the High Court injunction which The Jockey Club obtained last week and prohibits trespass.

‘The court order provides a clear route to prosecution, fines and even the threat of prison for Contempt of Court and we will now take steps to enforce that.

‘Animal Rising have repeatedly stated that they would not attempt to disrupt any races while in progress and we utterly condemn their deplorable and mindless actions today.

‘The Derby was first run in 1780 and has continued despite two world wars, the COVID pandemic and a number of other extreme challenges. That the 244th running of the race was able to take place on time today is testament to the determination of everyone to stage one of British sport’s most iconic and loved events.’

Derby winning jockey Ryan Moore said: ‘(Clerk of the course) Andrew Cooper and his team, Jockey Club racecourses and the BHA have been on top of it and it seems to have gone off without a hitch and that’s a very good sign.’

The Jockey Club has said that additional security measures at the Derby added over £150,000 to the normal security bill.

This included erecting fences in the trees on the back straight and preventing members of the public accessing certain areas on the Downs, like the start, from where they would normally be able to watch the race.

Animal Rising protestors caused havoc at Aintree in April and are continuing to target races

In another break with normal practise, the 14 Derby runners were all saddled in the racecourse stables and brought into the paddock late.

Surrey Police confirmed they had arrested 31 people, including 19 on Saturday morning and 12 in the grounds.

Around 40 Animal Rising Protesters gathered outside the racecourse gates on a site agreed with the Jockey Club.

The Jockey Club appeared better prepared than when Animal Rising protestors got onto the track and delayed the start of the Grand National by 14 minutes at Aintree in April.