The Jockey Club will launch civil proceedings against the protester who attempted to derail the Epsom Derby and have accused Animal Rising activists of drastic self-sabotage over the past 48 hours. "It was a very bad day for Animal Rising;' said Nevin Truesdale, the chief executive of The Jockey Club, who own the Epsom Downs course. "There is a degree to which this could make them more determined but I actually think we should stop talking about them now. We should give them the chance to effectively hang themselves in public which is what they've been doing in the days leading up to it and what they did on Saturday." Truesdale specifically referenced Animal Rising's claim that the activist who broke onto the course — whose name was confirmed by the group as Ben Newman — had entered the racetrack after The Derby had started. Surrey Police and ITV, who screened the event live, as well as numerous witnesses, were adamant that he entered the finishing straight shortly after the race started, an act described by The Jockey Club as "deplorable". Organisers had taken out a High Court injunction to protect the racecourse and, as well as what might follow from Surrey Police's 31 arrests, they believe that there is now a clear route to civil prosecution, fines and potentially even the threat of prison for contempt of court. A willingness to now act on that court order was reiterated on Sunday. "We were always very clear that having been granted the High Court injunction we would not hesitate to enforce it should Animal Rising or anyone breach the court order;' said a spokesperson for The Jockey Club. "Following their reckless and illegal actions we have been in touch with our lawyers about the next steps."
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