Docusign Envelope ID: ABA671A3-E271-4EC4-AB06-1088FEC37456
disruption to events has the potential to cause significant reputational harm to the Claimant
and the sport. Approximately 85,000 people are directly and indirectly employed in horse
racing in Britain, and the industry contributes approximately £4.1 billion to the economy in
the United Kingdom. Moreover, horseracing has remained a much-loved sport through the
generations, and disruptive protests significantly interfere with the public’s legitimate
enjoyment of the same.
Alternatives to an injunction
Non-disruptive protest
43. A non-disruptive protest was held at Aintree Racecourse at the Randox Grand National
meeting on 5 April 2025. This occurs almost every year, within an area designated for it by
the Claimant in conjunction with Merseyside Police. Historically, this has been opposite the
main entrance to the racecourse (Grand National Avenue) and is positioned at the entrance
to the car park of Aintree Station.
44. Similarly, a ‘peaceful protest’ area was available to those wishing to protest at the Epsom
Derby in 2025. This area is located on the roadside immediately over the road from the
Racecourse Pavillion/Office Building. The Claimant received no prior requests to utilise this
designated area; however, it was used by some protestors affiliated with a further campaign
group, Animal Aid, on the day of the Derby.
45. I am informed by Mr Allen that five protestors affiliated with Animal Aid stood on the main
road outside the Racecourse, holding up pictures purporting to show horses with broken
legs. As far as I know, we had no advance notice of their presence. Three of the five
protestors initially stood in the designated area. Those three protesters then joined the other
two protesters on the pavement immediately outside the Racecourse Pavillion/Office
Building. Mr Allen informs me that the two protestors initially positioned on the pavement
refused to move to the designated protest area when asked by staff of the Claimant.
46. I note that a similar area was provided to protesters in 2023, but this was not considered a
realistic alternative for those intent on disrupting the race.
Public order offences
47. As far as I am aware, there has been no material change to primary legislation in respect of
the public order offences in force since the Final Injunction Order was granted in July 2024.
In my view, the statements on AR’s website and social media set out above, show that the
criminal charges brought and sentences given in respect of action taken in 2022 and 2023,
plainly are not a sufficient deterrent.
17
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator