2023 Epsom Derby Protesters Deemed "Reckless and Dangerous"
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) expressed serious concerns over the conduct of protestors at the 2023 Epsom Derby, deeming their actions as “reckless and dangerous.” The prominent event on the UK racing calendar witnessed more than 30 arrests due to disturbances caused by the protest group, Animal Rising.
Breached Security
On 3 June, amid an atmosphere charged with tension, one audacious protestor breached security to gain access to the track. The determined individual attempted to halt the race but was promptly intercepted by law enforcement officials. These drastic actions came in the wake of a series of protests orchestrated by Animal Rising at the event.
In a move to thwart such disruptions, the Jockey Club, which operates the Epsom Downs Racecourse, had obtained a High Court injunction the previous month. This legal mandate was a response to protestors causing a delay at the Grand National in April, impacting the event’s smooth operation. The injunction explicitly prohibited individuals from intruding on the track, tossing objects onto it, or entering the parade ring. Any action that could potentially disrupt the proceedings was also barred. Violators risked facing contempt of court proceedings.
Jeopardised the Safety of Horses and Riders
Despite these stringent measures, the protest activities persisted. Julie Harrington, the Chief Executive of the BHA, voiced her severe disapproval of these dangerous undertakings. Harrington decried the behaviour of the protestor who trespassed onto the track post the commencement of the Derby. She noted, “Despite Animal Rising having stated on multiple occasions that they would do nothing to jeopardise the safety of horses and riders, this reckless and dangerous behaviour did exactly that.”
Harrington thanked Epsom’s security team for their quick response to the disruption, ensuring the race’s safe completion. She also acknowledged the efforts of the staff at the Jockey Club, her colleagues at the BHA, and the Surrey Police for their exhaustive work to guarantee Derby’s secure staging and their decisive actions preceding the Derby.
Harrington also expressed her appreciation to the race’s participants for their cooperation amidst the truncated preliminaries, demonstrating the strength of the horse racing community in overcoming such unforeseen challenges.
Epsom Derby
The Epsom Derby, also simply known as the Derby, is one of the oldest and most prestigious horse races in the world. It is named after the Epsom Downs racecourse in Surrey, England, where the event is held annually. The race was first inaugurated in 1780 and has since become an iconic fixture in the British sporting calendar.
The Derby is a flat horse race open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run over a distance of one mile, four furlongs, and six yards (approximately 2,400 metres). The Epsom Derby forms the second leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing in England, which also includes the 2000 Guineas and St Leger. However, it’s quite rare for a horse to attempt, let alone win, this illustrious treble in modern racing due to the diverse demands of the three races.
A race of immense prestige and history, the Derby is often referred to as the “Blue Riband” of the turf and has inspired many similar events around the world, including the Kentucky Derby in the United States. It continues to be one of the highlights of the British summer sporting season, attracting large crowds of spectators and significant media coverage.
