The traditional Grand National horse race at Aintree racecourse near Liverpool has been overshadowed by protests by animal rights activists and the death of two horses. Some activists glued themselves to obstacles at the racecourse, climbed fences and gained access to the racecourse. According to Merseyside Police in Liverpool, 118 people have been provisionally arrested. The main race started 15 minutes late. The two horses died today after falls, the event lasts for three days.
“We respect the right to peaceful demonstration and freedom of expression, but criminal behavior and disturbances will not be tolerated and will be vigorously addressed,” a police spokesman said.
Despite the fact that the obstacles have been made less tense and the number of participants reduced, the obstacle race has been heavily criticized by animal rights activists for decades because over the years numerous jockeys have fallen badly with their horses and animals died.
