Epsom Derby: Racecourse on high alert for Animal Rising activists threatening to disrupt Derby

Epsom racecourse is on high alert for animal activists attempting to disrupt the Derby. The first afternoon of the Derby Festival on Friday (June 2) passed without any disturbance but activists Animal Rising have threatened to disrupt the event this weekend.

Animal Rising have threatened to try and force the Derby to be abandoned, which would be the first time in the event’s 244-year history. The same group of activists previously failed to carry out a similar threat at the Grand National in Aintree back in April.

Despite not succeeding in cancelling the event, the race was delayed for around 15 minutes after a small group of protestors scaled a fence before attempting to attach themselves to another fence. The Epsom Racecourse is however more difficult to secure, with a public right of access to large parts of the downland area where the race is held.