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The largest Grand National security operation in 26 years is underway to fight animal rights protesters who have vowed to prevent the start of Saturday’s race.
Booth rooftop watchers and extra undercover cops have been enlisted as activists from Animal Rising – an offshoot of Extinction Rebellion – attempt to wreak havoc.
Outside the perimeter, there is a considerably higher G4S security presence and insiders believe the overall operation is “as big as it has been since 1997”, the infamous year of the bomb threat.
Telegraph Sport understands that the activists, meanwhile, held a six-hour workshop on Wednesday to finalize their disruption plan. The group has boasted on its website in the past 24 hours that it is launching “the biggest animal-focused action campaign the UK has seen in decades”.
“This will kick off on Saturday as the group aims to disrupt the Grand National by urging animal lovers to ‘show up’ at Aintree Racecourse from 9.30am,” the press release adds. They will also block traffic by performing a slow march along Ormskirk Road, the main access route, before using ladders and bolt cutters in an attempt to climb over the perimeter fences and gain access to the track.
“Animal Rising intends to make sure the Grand National doesn’t even start tomorrow afternoon,” said spokesman Nathan McGovern, who said they would not attempt to enter the track if there are horses and jockeys riding. “We know that if the ride starts, the horses will likely die like Eclair Surf and Discorama did last year. People will try to put their bodies between horses and damage by stopping the entire ride. We know that one horse dies every two or three days into the UK races, along with over a billion in our food system, and we want to see the end of this.”
Aintree never discusses its security measures, but race organizers have taken the rare step of directly urging activists to be “legitimate and accountable” as their protest could endanger “jockeys, officials and themselves”.
A spokesperson for Aintree Racecourse said: “We respect the right to peaceful protest but sincerely hope that Animal Rising will reflect on the legitimacy and accountability of the proposed actions. Their actions could endanger the horses they claim to protect, as well as jockeys, officials and themselves. As you would expect, we are working closely with Merseyside Police to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone is protected, including all participants, human or equine, at the Grand National.”
Police chiefs have already warned of a “robust” presence amid fears the protest group is planning to breach fences with bolt cutters and then glue themselves to the path.
Merseyside Police have also secured a dispersal zone around Aintree Racecourse for both Ladies Day and the Grand National.
The force posted on its social media channels the zone under Section 34 of the Anti-Social Behavior & Policing Act 2014, which gives police officers and police community support traffic officers the power to direct people who engage in antisocial behavior or who may become involved in such incidents.
Police are keeping a low profile within the site itself, but law enforcement said officers are there “to ensure that spectators and visitors to our city can enjoy the event and our nightlife in safety” .
“We have worked with our partners, The Jockey Club, MerseyTravel, British Transport Police and local councils in planning this incredible event so that race-goers and the public remain safe in our city,” the force added.
Security sources have also pointed to a potential risk to activists from angry Aintree race-goers should they manage to cause disruption to the day.
“We have a robust policing plan in place, as we would for any major public event, to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved,” said Merseyside Police Safety Plan Superintendent Matthew Moscrop.
“Importantly we have been working with our partners over a number of months in the build-up to this year’s festival to ensure that plans and processes are in place to deal with any incidents that may occur and to prevent any significant or disruption to spectators, local residents and businesses. Anti-social behaviour, disorder and violence will not be tolerated. We will be tough with anyone who behaves inappropriately or criminally.”
The official urged race attendees to help with the overall security presence by “allowing themselves more time to get to the racecourse, arriving in good time and limiting the number of bags and other items they bring to the track”.
In the crowd on Friday, race-goers also urged the animal rights group to rethink their plan. Mark Stephens, who had traveled to Aintree from Preston, said: “We will not take kindly to people who ruin the day. This is a very expensive event and people have suffered from Covid. I don’t think people from Aintree will take good care of those who try to sabotage us.”
However, Rose Patterson, from Animal Rising, said they have broad support. “We know most people are on our side because most people consider themselves animal lovers,” she said.
