Epsom Derby promises biggest ever security operation to halt planned Animal Rising protests

The Epsom Derby will have the biggest security operation in the event’s history amid fears protesters will attempt to disrupt the race.

Nevin Truesdale, chief executive of the Jockey Club, said the package of measures in place were like “no other seen in the past”.

The club has previously been granted a High Court injunction against Animal Rising demonstrators who have threatened to disrupt the Betfred Derby on Saturday.

The application was lodged by the club, which owns Epsom Downs, because it felt the organisation made it “explicitly clear” it intends to breach security at the Surrey racecourse to stage a disruptive protest.

Animal Rising also disrupted the Grand National at Aintree in April, when the race was delayed by just over 10 minutes after demonstrators made their way on to the track and had to be removed by police.

The Countryside Alliance said that it hoped the punishments handed out to anyone who breached the injunction would serve as a deterrent to protesters at other sporting events in the future.

The exact security measures put in place have not been confirmed by the Jockey Club, but they are believed to have spent an additional £150,000 safeguarding the race.

Mr Truesdale said: “While it’s extremely challenging to secure a site like Epsom Downs, Surrey Police have been and continue to be incredibly helpful and we will have a security operation in place at the Derby Festival this weekend like no other we have seen in the past.”

He said the sport “has never been safer” for horses, adding: “We love these equine athletes, these superstars who get fantastic care behind the scenes.

During a debate on Sky News on Thursday morning, Animal Rising spokeswoman Claudia Penna Rojas was asked if she is prepared to break the law.

She replied: “I’m prepared to do what’s necessary to do what’s right by these animals and try and prevent them from being harmed.”

The Jockey Club officials fear the protest will endanger participants, racegoers and horses – although they said they do not dismiss the right to peaceful protest and have offered Animal Rising an area near the racecourse’s entrance to demonstrate.

The injunction granted by High Court judge Sir Anthony Mann bans people from going on to the racetrack and carrying out other acts with the intention and/or effect of disrupting the races.

Such acts include intentionally causing objects to enter the racetrack, entering the parade ring, entering and/or remaining on the horses’ route to the parade ring and to the racetrack without authorisation, and intentionally endangering any person at Epsom Downs racecourse during the two-day Derby Festival.

Those breaching the court order may be subject to contempt of court proceedings and fined or jailed.

Tim Bonner, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance, said: “The injunction sought by the Jockey Club could be game changing if it demonstrates that carrying out these acts of unlawful disruption will no longer be tolerated and those who put themselves, and others, in danger will face serious criminal sanctions.”

A spokesperson for Surrey Police said that its officers were “well-trained in responding to protests” and would be on hand throughout the day.