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knowledge, the source of the information is identified, and those facts and matters are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Introduction
By way of brief background, I am aware that Animal Rising is an animal activist movement based in the United Kingdom. It is my understanding that Animal Rising intends to disrupt the Derby, and that this is the same organisation that was responsible for the disruption/delay caused to the Aintree Grand National on 15 April 2023. I refer to the Witness Statement of Nevin Truesdale for further detail on what is known by the Jockey Club in respect of Animal Rising and their intended disruption to the Epsom Derby, and the Witness Statement of Dickon White in respect of the incident at the Aintree Grand National.
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Welfare and Risks
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The horses that race at the Derby are thoroughbred racehorses. Thoroughbreds as we know them today are an ecological peak of the breed; they have been selectively bred over many centuries, specifically for racing. They have been domesticated over these many centuries and are not wild animals. Those that race in the Derby are 3-year-old colts full of testosterone and I would describe them as akin to hormonal adolescents; they are very excitable. Horses are naturally flight animals; when this is paired with the fact that the horses at the Derby are young, inexperienced colts weighing around 500kg, they can be quite unpredictable and difficult to control. In comparison, the horses that race in the Grand National are usually older gelding or mare horses around 8 or 9 years- old, experienced with the course and the racing environment. The horses racing in the Derby are finely tuned athletes, they are prepared for this one race. Both the horse and the jockey, akin to any human athlete, need to be in the right frame of mind with full concentration; they need to be in the zone. It is the job of the jockey to form a bond with the horse, to get them in the right place mentally and ensure that the horse is concentrating on the task at hand, the race. Any form of delay or disruption will interfere with the horses' mood and concentration. The horses follow a specific routine to assist with keeping them in the zone. There are particular risks if you delay the race once the horses have left their stables, particularly when they are parading in front of the stands, and more so at the start of the race, where they are confined to a relatively small area behind the starting stalls. By then, they are prepared and absolutely focused for the imminent start of the race. If there is any delay or disruption, the horses could become agitated and frustrated, and therefore unpredictable and difficult to control. They could rear up, kick out, or barge th4u43 Any form of unpredictable and difficult to control. They could rear up, kick out, or barge through 443
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