Epsom Derby braces for ‘1000 protesters’ to hit track after Grand National chaos saw 118 arrests

EPSOM DERBY bosses are bracing for the threat of ‘1000 protesters’ hitting the track in a bid to stop the world’s biggest Flat race.

Some 118 protesters were arrested after trying to stop last month’s Grand National.

PAPolice and locals quickly brought the failed Grand National protest under control – and it is hoped the same will be done at Epsom[/caption]

Brave locals scrambled onto the Aintree track to help police bring the chaos under control before the national showpiece went off 14 minutes late.

Now the Daily Mail report the protesters plan to invade Epsom racecourse on Saturday, June 3, for their big contest.

The Derby is the biggest and most prestigious race on the Flat – with first place worth almost £1million.

It will be the final time legendary jockey Frankie Dettori rides in it with his retirement coming up at the end of the year.

The Mail say protesters have promised a ‘summer of chaos’ – even though their Aintree antics were quickly ended.

They quote a spokeswoman as saying: “We will be doing everything non-violently possible to prevent the horses from coming to harm.

“It will involve putting our bodies on the line so that the horses aren’t forced to do the same.

“We will openly voice our concerns and intentions so that all animal lovers will have the opportunity to take part.”

Devastated jumps trainer Sandy Thomson said the delay brought on by the yobs invading Aintree led to the death of his horse Hill Sixteen.

Racing supporters were left with tears in their eyes hearing the heartbroken trainer recall his final moments with the horse after he fell at the first.

Thomson told BBC 5Live he went straight to the horse’s side as soon as he could.

He said: “I just had a few words with him. That I was so sorry for him and thanked him for everything he did for us.”

The trainer also shared a photo of jockey Ryan Mania stroking the horse before his passing.

And he wrote: “Thank you so much to everyone for such a huge outpour of love and sympathy for us all having lost Hill Sixteen.

“We are all completely devastated and it will be felt on the yard for a long time.

“He was a wonderful gorgeous horse who was so loved and cared for by everyone.”

The Jockey Club do not comment on security matters.

A beefed-up police presence meant the National protest was sharply shut down.

But bosses will hope any protest is nipped in the bud before anyone can get onto the track.

This year’s Derby – the late Queen’s favourite race – will already be different owing to its controversial 1.30pm start time.

It has been brought forward to its earliest off time ever to avoid a clash with the FA Cup final between Manchester United and their neighbours City on the same day.

Punters could face travel hell on the day too, with train drivers planning a strike.