Protesters dressed as suffragettes run onto the track at Epsom Derby
04.06.2022 - 20:45
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A group of people who ran onto the track before the Epsom Derby were removed by police. The female protesters, holding banners and dressed as suffragettes, fell to the ground when officers intervened.
The group laid in the middle of the course about 75 yards from the finish line. Police and security officers dragged them away.
The scene was reminiscent of the 1913 protest at the Epsom Derby by suffragette Emily Davison who threw herself at the king's horse, Anmer, causing the horse and rider to fall. She suffered a fractured skull and died four days later. Suffragettes from across the country attended her funeral.
Videos on social media showed the protesters being carried off into a police van. The protesters were clad in suffragette costumes, and were seen clutching purple and green banners.
Animal Rebellion claimed six of its members ran on to the track at the racecourse in Surrey ahead of the Derby, in the campaign group's second Platinum Jubilee weekend protest.
On Thursday (2 June), members of Animal Rebellion were arrested after they entered the ceremonial route on The Mall before Trooping the Colour. The group said Saturday's protest was aimed at making “a definitive statement, and act, against the cruelty and harm the horse racing industry represents”.
Dozens of officers could be seen working to move them, as members of the royal box watched on. The crowds cheered as they were taken away, with a voice on a Tannoy apologising to spectators.
Desert Crown ultimately won the Derby in blistering fashion, finishing well clear of Hoo Ya Mal in second. Princess Anne attended the Derby, while the Queen watched proceedings from home in "comfy clothes" according to her granddaughter Zara Tindall.
Her Majesty did not attend