SPORT
Epsom Derby next target of animal rights protest
Race organisers have been warned by Animal Rising, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, to expect disruption by ‘one thousand’ activists
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The Epsom festival at the start of next month, including the Derby, is to be targeted for disruption
LEON NEAL/GETTY IMAGES
Animal rights activists have vowed to send “one thousand” protesters to disrupt the Epsom Derby, just weeks after a failed attempt to stop the Grand National.
Animal Rising, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, informed members of the Jockey Club, the body that organises the event, that the festival in early June will be the site of “non-violent action . . . aiming to prevent races from running”.
It comes after 188 activists were arrested when members of the group attempted to get on the track at the Grand National last month and glue themselves to the fences.
Animal Rising, an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion, was involved in last month’s climate protests in London
MARK KERRISON/ALAMY
The disruption delayed the race by 14 minutes, with one trainer blaming protesters for the death of his horse. Two other horses died at the Aintree meeting,
