Activists

Ahead of next week's Royal Ascot meeting, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will not take part in a nationally televised debate with Animal Rising, the organisation announced on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, animal activist group Animal Rising reportedly stated at a Wednesday press conference they would "pause" their protest activity this summer if UK racing's leaders took part in such a debate. BHA chief executive Julie Harrington said, "At a press conference today, Animal Rising said they will cease their protest activity this summer if British racing agrees to...

Security measures are in place to avoid any disruption by protestors for the upcoming Betfred Derby Festival, The Jockey Club confirmed on Sunday. Both the Grand National and Scottish Grand National meetings attracted protestors that delayed proceedings to various degrees, but The Jockey Club is taking every possible precaution to avoid that scenario for the upcoming meeting on June 2-3. Epsom Downs Racecourse is owned and operated by The Jockey Club, and officials have met with the Surrey police in advance of the meeting. Nevin Truesdale, Chief Executive of the...

The Thursday racing card at Golden Gate Fields was on hold after animal rights protesters ran on to the track before the first race and locked themselves together with interlocking pipes over their arms. The first race was scheduled to go off at 12:45 p.m. Pacific Time. As of 4:45 p.m. local time, one hour after the last race was scheduled to go off, no races had been held and the protestors remained on the track. The protest was staged by a group called Direct Action Everywhere, which live-streamed the...