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Ring of steel to stop repeat of Animal Rising disruption
AINTREE authorities are on high alert to ensure that no animal rights protests are held at the racecourse today that could hamper the staging of the Grand National.
A major police operation has been put in place, with officers providing a ring of steel around the famous course in Liverpool.
It comes after the Grand National was delayed for 15 minutes last year after protestors gained entry to the Aintree race track ahead of the showpiece event.
The protestors, from campaign group Animal Rising, attempted to climb a fence, while others attempted to attach themselves to jumps and fences.
The race only went ahead after police and security teams moved in swiftly to remove the protestors.
Members of Animal Rising have said they have no plans to stage a similar protest at this year’s race, but organisers have insisted they are taking no chances.
Large numbers of security personnel and police have been drafted in, and have already carried out sweeps and searches around the race course.
Security cordons have been erected to help prevent security hazards, while plain clothes police officers will also be deployed at the event to monitor crowds. Security checks including bag searches and badge checks will be underway, and only pre-booked vehicles will be allowed into Aintree, which is in the Sefton area of Merseyside.
Police
Racegoers are also encouraged to report anything suspicious to police. Superintendent Matthew Moscrop, of Merseyside Police, said criminal activity “will not be tolerated”.
He said: “As ever, we are expecting a large number of visitors to Aintree, and it is another prime opportunity to showcase what Merseyside has to offer.
“Anti-social behaviour, hate crime, disorder and other criminal activity will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.”
Supt Moscrop added: “Officers (plain clothed) are specially trained to spot the telltale signs that someone may have criminal intent, such as gathering information that may help them plan or prepare to commit a crime.
“As with all big events, a considerable amount of planning from all partner organisations has been done in the run-up to the three-day festival to ensure everyone who attends has a great time, and that it is memorable for all the right reasons.”
Jockey Club and British Transport Police will also help ensure any incidents during the event are dealt with “effectively and efficiently”.
Last year, protestors attempted to glue themselves to a fence and hundreds more tried to get onto the racecourse to stop the race.
It led to Merseyside Police making more than 100 arrests.
Police and security teams were cheered by the crowd as the protestors were removed, with members of the public also appearing to help to clear the course.
After the disruptions, the race finally got underway just under 15 minutes after the original start time.