- Britain’s most watched horse race was delayed for 15 minutes last year
- Animal Rising has insisted they would not disrupt this year’s Grand National
- Security, including stewarding and bag searches, has visibly been more active
Aintree and Merseyside police will erect an unprecedented ring of steel around Aintree ahead of the 176th running of the Randox Grand National on Saturday.
Britain’s most watched horse race was delayed for 15 minutes last year when protestors from the animal rights group Animal Rising scaled perimeter fencing and attempted to glue themselves to the famous fences.
A total of 118 protestors were arrested.
Despite Animal Rising declaring that they would not disrupt this year’s Grand National, race organisers are refusing to risk being wrong-footed.
Security, including stewarding and bag searches, has visibly been more active over the first two days of the meeting.
Security has visibly been more active over the first two days of the Grand National meeting
The 2023 Grand National was delayed for 15 minutes by Animal Rising supporters
A spokesperson for Aintree Racecourse refused to detail security plans but said: ‘We’ve had no specific intelligence to suggest that Animal Rising or any other protest group are intending to disrupt this year’s Grand National.
‘However, we work closely with Merseyside Police and other local authorities and emergency services to ensure we are prepared for all eventualities.’
Meanwhile, last year’s winner Corach Rambler looks like losing his position as favourite ahead of the 4pm .
Sky Bet spokesman Micheal Shinners said: ‘Corach Rambler has been friendless in the betting and punter momentum is with I Am Maximus and Panda Boy.’
The meeting suffered its first equine fatality yesterday when Giovinco, like Corach Rambler trained by Lucinda Russell, died after falling in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase.
An Aintree spokesperson said: “During our first race of the day, Giovinco fell at the last fence and was immediately attended to by our expert veterinary professionals. After assessment, sadly they concluded the necessary course of action for the horse’s welfare was to put him to sleep. Our heartfelt condolences are with his connections.”