The Jockey Club has received an injunction from the High Court against Animal Rising protesters who plan to disrupt the Betfred Derby at Epsom next weekend.
The request was made by the Jockey Club, which owns Epsom Downs along with many other high-profile tracks, as it felt the organization had made it “explicitly clear” that they intended to breach security at Surrey racecourse to stage a disruptive protest.
News of his plans came after the disruption of the Grand National at Aintree in April, when the race was delayed for just over 10 minutes after protesters entered the track and had to be removed by police.
Jockey Club officials feared the Epsom protest would endanger participants, racegoers and horses, though they say they are not ruling out the right to peaceful protest and have offered Animal Rising an area near the entrance to the racecourse specifically for this purpose on Derby day. 3 of June.
The injunction granted by High Court Judge Sir Anthony Mann prohibits people from entering the race track and doing other acts with the intent and/or effect of disrupting racing.
Such acts include intentionally causing objects to enter the race track, entering the race track, entering and/or remaining in the path of horses to the race track and the race track without authorization, and intentionally endangering to anyone at the Epsom Downs race track over the two days. Derby Festival by day.
Persons acting in violation of a court order may be subject to contempt of court proceedings, which may result in a fine and/or imprisonment.
Jockey Club Chief Executive Nevin Truesdale said: “Our number one priority will always be to ensure that the safety of all our equine and human participants and race attendees, officials and our own employees is not compromised.
“Animal Rising have repeatedly made explicit that they intend to break the law and disrupt the Derby Festival and that left us no choice but to seek this injunction, after having consulted with a number of interested parties, including the Derby Police. Surrey.
Protesters on the Ayr track before the Scottish Grand National
“We will never tolerate a repeat of the illegal disruption we saw at Aintree on Grand National day and we welcome today’s High Court ruling, which gives us an extra layer of security to combat the threat of such dangerous and reckless behaviour.
“We believe everyone should have the right to protest peacefully and have offered Animal Rising an area near the entrance to Epsom Downs Racecourse to express their views in a law-abiding manner.
“However, anyone attempting to disrupt the race or compromise the safety of the horses or humans will be dealt with firmly by our security teams and the police.
“As such, I now urge Animal Rising to drop any plans to breach security at The Derby Festival and respect the rightful right of the thousands of people who will join us at Epsom Downs and the millions watching at home and abroad. everyone to enjoy the sport they love without interruptions.
