Epsom activist criticised for reckless finish line protest
ORGANISERS of the Epsom Derby accused Animal Rising activists of a “reckless” and “mindless” threat to horse and human safety after a lone protester burst on to the finishing straight during the showpiece race.
Animal Rising had vowed not to disrupt the 244th edition of the race once it had started but a man ran down the racetrack after the 14 runners set off. He was tackled to the ground and dragged away by six police and security staff.
The horses were still at the back of the 1.5 mile course and the race, which was briefly in danger of being stopped, continued and was won by Auguste Rodin. An Animal Rising statement later claimed that the protester was on the course before the race had started but the man only fully breached trackside after the off.
He was named as Ben Newman, a seasoned activist. On Friday, he told BBC Radio Surrey: “No one’s going to be running in front of horses who are running.”
He entered the course around a furlong from the finish, several hundred yards from where the suffragette, Emily Davison, was killed 110 years ago after running in front of King George V’s horse at Tattenham Corner.
Yesterday, a woman also tried to jump the fence in front of the grandstand but was stopped by police.
“Animal Rising have repeatedly stated that they would not attempt to disrupt any races while in progress and we utterly condemn their deplorable and mindless actions today,” said Nevin Truesdale, chief executive of The Jockey Club, who described it as “reckless and illegal behaviour”.
Surrey police had earlier arrested 19 people on suspicion of conspiracy to commit public nuisance. A further 12 were arrested on the course.