Eco-protesters to now target Epsom Derby as 1,000 activists plot to cause carnage in Surrey
Animal Rising is ready to repeat its antics from the Grand National
PA
Eco-protesters who disrupted the Grand National are now planning to sabotage the Epsom Derby, with as many as 1,000 activists due to descend on Surrey.
Animal Rising, which is campaigning against horse racing, is planning to take action at the iconic horse racing festival on June 2 and 3.
Protesters are being offered "non-violence training" to learn how to successfully interrupt the race.
Animal Rising said it was taking action to bring about "a kinder world that values and protects all life".
Animal Rising is preparing to storm the racetrack on June 2 and 3
PA
It said on Twitter: " Together we can not only highlight our broken relationship with animals, but we can also lead by example. This is love in action.
"The disruption of the Grand National was the first action in the Summer of Animal Rising.
"Over the next few months we will be protecting animals from harm and exploitation while also painting a vision for a new relationship with nature and other beings."
Last month 118 protesters were arrested after delaying the Grand National by 14 minutes at Aintree, Merseyside.
Activists attempted to get onto the racetrack to glue themselves to the fences in order to halt the race.
A week later, 25 members were also arrested after storming the track of the Ayr racecourse when the Scottish Grand National was taking place.
Braced for action next month, an Epsom Racecourse spokesman said: "Illegal protests will not be tolerated."
They warned that security measures were already being worked on and that any protest would be "swiftly" handled.
Activists attempted to scale the fences to make it onto the track at Aintree
PA
"The safety and security of our racegoers and all our participants, whether equine or human, will always be our number one priority," they said.
"Any attempt to disrupt our events will be dealt with swiftly and decisively.
"Our security teams will have a strong and visible presence, controlled centrally via extensive CCTV coverage of the site.
"We will be working closely with Surrey Police who will be present on the day."
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