Row breaks out over security guidelines at Epsom racecourse
A
nimal Rising has accused the Epsom Derby Jockey Club of breaching security procedures by failing to cease a race after certainly one of its activists ran on to the monitor.
The protester, who jumped the barrier shortly after the Betfred Derby started, was wrestled to the bottom and dragged away by police earlier than the horses may attain him.
The Jockey Club, which owns the Epsom Downs, hit out on the activist for placing the lives of horses and athletes in danger, describing his actions as “reckless and illegal” – whereas Julie Harrington, of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) “strongly condemned” them for jeopardising the protection of the animals.
But a spokesman for the animal rights organisation, which additionally disrupted the Grand National in Aintree in April, stated the membership ought to have stopped the race instantly as soon as the activist had entered the monitor.
It stated they selected to “steam ahead regardless” as they have been beneath “immense pressure” to complete the 1:30pm race earlier than ITV1’s protection switched to the FA Cup Final at round 2pm.
According to the BHA guidelines, revealed on its web site, a yellow Stop Race flag must be waved if there’s a “major hazard ahead which is unable to be avoided”.
In an announcement, Animal Rising stated: “It was clear to security and police that several individuals attempted to enter the track before the race began, but race organisers chose to steam ahead regardless.
“The fact that the individuals involved were on the course’s last stretch is no excuse for the Jockey Club’s decision to not only start the race but then fail to follow the British Horseracing Authority ‘Stop Race’ procedures for when people are on the track.”
“In an industry where a horse dies every other day, it is unsurprising that the need to run the race was put above care for animals.”
The Jockey Club has been approached for remark.