Grand National delayed after animal rights protestors breach Aintree course

Police were forced to intervene at Aintree after protestors attempted to enter the racecourse

The Grand National 2023 was delayed by over 15 minutes after animal rights protestors breached the steel fence surrounding the Aintree racecourse.

The delay to the race, which was due to start at 5:15pm and eventually begun after 5:30pm, forced jockeys to hold their horses in the paddock.

Six protestors from from Animal Rising breached the fence, with three reaching the track, while many more attempted to also jump over the fence surrounding the racecourse.

Follow our live blog for the latest updates

Police rushed to contain the protest, with clashes following as protestors attached themselves to the fence, while others could be seen exchanging ladders in a bid to help others join the protest inside the perimeter.

"We have an indefinite delay,” confirmed ITV presenter Ed Chamberlin. “Protestors have got on to the racecourse.

“A developing situation at Aintree, horses held in the paddock, these are scenes outside the racecourse, trying to disrupt the most popular race in the world.

“They did create a ring of steel around the racecourse this morning. Up to 300 protestors here. We might have a delay here at Aintree.”

Police contain protestors on the Aintree racecourse (REUTERS)

Chamberlin later added: “This race will not be run while there is any danger to its participants.”

The delay follows three people arrested earlier on Saturday. Two women aged 33 and 25, both from London, and a man were arrested on Saturday morning on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance, Merseyside Police said.

It comes after climate and animal rights group Animal Rising said up to 300 activists would scale fences and enter the track to prevent the race from starting. The group also said they would block traffic by performing a slow march along Ormskirk Road, the main access route.

About 50 animal rights protesters gathered outside Aintree Racecourse on Saturday morning. Footage later released by the group shows officers carrying a protester away from a demonstration outside the racecourse.

The Grand National was then given the green light to go ahead at 5:21pm, with horses and riders soon returning to the paddock and the race then underway just after 5:30pm.

Corach Rambler went on to win the 2023 Grand National at Aintree backing up its status as the 8/1 favourite.

Corach Rambler, ridden by Derek Fox and trained by Lucinda Russell took the lead from Mister Coffey over the final fence and kicked for home to record a memorable win.