More than 40 de-arrested after Grand National protests – animal rights group

The protesters breached security fences as National runners were in the parade ring, causing a delay of 12 minutes, although racegoers helped police and event organisers to stop some from reaching the track.

Activists outside the gates ahead of the Randox Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool on Saturday. Picture: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.

More than 40 animal rights activists have been de-arrested after a large number of protesters attempted to gain entry to the Aintree Racecourse track, delaying the start of the flagship Grand National, campaign group Animal Rising said.

Merseyside Police arrested 118 people on Saturday after scores of activists climbed fences, with at least two fixing themselves to a jump using glue and lock-on devices according to the animal rights group.