Docusign Envelope ID: ABA671A3-E271-4EC4-AB06-1088FEC37456
Similarly, a press release on 19 February 2025, 40 in relation to the sentencing of AR
23.4
supporters involved in the abovementioned blockades at the Müller’s site in Droitwich,
celebrated the protesters having caused “ milk shortages across the nation ”.
Comments from one of those sentenced, Ben Pattison, stated: “ It’s imperative that we
do everything we can to reverse the effects of the climate crisis. ”
24. Considering the frequency and vehemency of the statements on AR’s website and social
media channels calling for an end to horseracing, and the repeated celebration and
drumming up of support for individuals who previously disrupted the races, I consider there
remains a significant threat that further individuals, whether formally affiliated with AR or not,
will be inspired to take direct action to disrupt the races, if not constrained by an injunction.
25. I note that the Claimant has not received any further communications from AR regarding its
intention to disrupt the races as were received in 2023 (as set out in Starkey 1, paragraphs
7 to 9). However, this was also the case in 2024, when the Final Injunction Order was
granted, and in that sense, there has been no material change. Moreover, I consider that
AR’s public statements set out above pose a real risk that lone protesters may be inspired to
take action to disrupt the races, without necessarily communicating their intentions to do so,
as part of, or through AR.
26. In particular, it is my understanding that AR continues to operate as a collection of persons
who share a common purpose, rather than a corporate entity with a particular hierarchical
structure (as noted in Truesdale 1, paragraph 10; Truesdale 2, paragraph 21; and Starkey 1,
paragraph 6). As shown by the actions of Mr Newman in 2023, the decision of just one
individual to disrupt the races is sufficient to place others in attendance in serious danger. I
consider AR’s statements above, lauding previous actions to disrupt the races as “ brave ”
and “ successful ” , to pose a significant risk, that individuals, acting alone or together, may
seek to disrupt the races again.
27. For completeness, I note that, as referenced at paragraph 19 of Truesdale 2, a
spokesperson for AR, Mr Nathan McGovern, made a statement to the press on 4 April 2024,
stating that AR would not target the Grand National in 2024 because the public had “ in large
part been convinced that they don’t want racing to be part of the fabric of British culture
going forward. ” The numerous statements set out above show that AR does not seriously
consider that its aims to end horseracing have been achieved. Certainly, to reinforce Mr
Truesdale’s remarks at paragraph 20 of his second witness statement, I do not consider that
AR’s actions have had anything close to the effect described by Mr McGovern. The 2025
Derby Festival remained well attended, albeit with spectator numbers down by about 6,000
on last year, which in my opinion was predominantly due to the poor forecasted weather and
the cost of living crisis. ITV viewing figures were 8% down for the weekend of the 2025
40 Pages 112 - 113 of CB1
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