'Robust policing plans' in place for Grand National day after reported sabotage plot by activists

Merseyside Police have reaffirmed their “robust plans” for Grand National day at Aintree after it was claimed activists are planning a protest at jump racing’s big event on April 15.

It was reported that more than 100 activists are plotting to storm security fences at the track before the world-renowned race, with the intention of forming a human barricade and sitting across the National course, according to the Mail on Sunday.

It was also reported the ringleaders of the Aintree plot have made two visits to the Jockey Club-owned racecourse to identify potential security weaknesses.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: “Merseyside Police has a robust policing plan in place for Aintree, as it does for any major public event, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.

“We have been working with our partners, including The Jockey Club, for a number of months in the build up to this year’s festival to ensure that any necessary plans and processes are in place to deal with any incidents that may arise and to prevent any significant or ongoing disruption to racegoers and local residents and businesses.

“We respect the right to peaceful protest and expression of views, but public order or criminal offences will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.”

Grand National: takes place on April 15Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Six activists ran on to the track before the Derby at Epsom last year, while four climate-change protesters, dressed as catering staff, chained themselves to the rail by the winning post following the opening race of the final day at Royal Ascot in 2021. A two-day trial for aggravated trespass did not go ahead the following year.

The Mail on Sunday reported the organisers of the planned Aintree protest hoped it would kick-start similar demonstrations, raising the prospect of attempted disruption at high-profile meetings this summer such as Royal Ascot, the first of King Charles's reign.

An Ascot spokesperson, speaking at the course on Sunday, said: "We work extremely closely with the police and other local authorities in the run up to Royal Ascot. Everyone has a right to protest and if the police do not think they are causing a disturbance, especially off site, we will not intervene. 

"Anything that impacts the operation on site will be dealt with appropriately, as was the case in 2021 when the Extinction Rebellion protestors were quickly apprehended without any impact on racing."

Protestors entered Aintree near the first fence before the 1993 National that was declared void. The race was set to get under way after a delay for the course to be cleared, only for two false starts, with seven horses completing the contest after the second false start procedure was not flagged properly.

Aintree's big race was postponed by two days in 1997 following a bomb threat that forced an evacuation of the course on the raceday. Lord Gyllene won the rescheduled contest.

Aintree declined to comment and pointed to the statement by Merseyside Police. 

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