Charges dropped against six animal rights protesters who attempted to disrupt 2022 Derby

Charges have been dropped against six animal rights protesters who attempted to disrupt the 2022 Derby at Epsom by running on to the track before the start of the Classic.

The six female protesters had been charged with causing a public nuisance, but their cases were dropped last week after the Crown Prosecution Service deemed there was insufficient evidence to bring a prosecution.

Last year, Ben Newman, a founding member of Animal Rising, was given a suspended jail sentence and 80-hours unpaid community work after running on to the course after the start of the Derby. In July this year, the Jockey Club was granted a five-year injunction prohibiting trespassers at Epsom who aim to disrupt racing at the course.

Animal Rising also delayed the start of last year’s Grand National, with 20 people charged by police in July this year in connection with the disruption.

Death of key Ladbrokes figure Terry Leon at 77

Terry Leon, who spent his career in bookmaking working his way up to head of development and licensing at Ladbrokes, has died. He was 77.

Leon started as a board-marker in a south London betting shop in 1964 before moving on to roles at Coral and Surrey Racing and then taking up his position in 1994 with Ladbrokes, where he remained until his retirement 17 years later.

In his time there Leon oversaw Ladbrokes' first acquisitions in Northern Ireland with the purchase of Duffy Bookmakers and Eastwoods, along with numerous other notable deals.

Leon is survived by his wife Lesley and their daughters Anna and Pippa. Donations in his memory can be made to the Rosemary Foundation here.

William Hill announced as new sponsor for next month's Futurity Trophy

William Hill have been announced as the new sponsor of the Futurity Trophy, the final Group 1 of the British season at Doncaster on October 26.

The race, supported last season by Qatar Racing, was sponsored by William Hill in 1976, when its name changed from the Observer Gold Cup.

Aidan O'Brien is bidding for a 12th win in the race, which headlines a two-day meeting, and trains the 5-2 ante-post favourite The Lion In Winter.

"William Hill have a long association with Doncaster and the Futurity Trophy in particular so we're delighted to welcome them back to the race," said Arena Racing Company's director of commercial strategy and partnerships David Leyden Dunbar.

"Recent years have proven it to be an excellent opportunity for some of the UK and Ireland’s best two-year-olds, and we look forward to another excellent renewal in October."

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.