Arrests over Scottish Grand National course invasion
A total of 25 people have been arrested after animal rights protesters tried to disrupt the Scottish Grand National.
Officers intervened after Animal Rising activists rushed onto Ayr racecourse before the 15:35 race, won by Kitty's Light.
Police Scotland said a "significant operation" took place to "safely remove" protesters from the track.
Security at the course was ramped up after protests delayed the start of the Grand National last week.
The protest failed to delay Saturday's event, with the off time in the 18-horse race recorded as 3:38.
The Ayr protest followed the death of horse Oscar Elite in the 13:50 race on Saturday. Activists said they wanted to stop other horses from dying or coming to harm.
Animal Rising, which is seeking to highlight what it said is the exploitation of animals for sport and food, said it will continue with more race disruptions, alongside a series of farm occupations and animal "rescues".
Protester Sarah McCaffrey from the group said last week's protest at the Grand National started a "crucial conversation about our relationship with animals and nature".
"Today we continue that conversation. As a society, we love animals, but we have to find a way to care for them without harming them," she said.
Ms McCaffrey called for an end to horse racing and a transition to a plant-based food system.
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said a "large group of protesters climbed under and over fences" to reach the track.
"Overall, there have been 25 arrests so far across the day and enquires are continuing," he added.
"I would like to commend the work of the officers and stewards who responded swiftly to intervene and prevent further escalation.
"We worked closely with the event organisers and other partners ahead of the Scottish Grand National to ensure a proportionate plan was in place to keep people safe and facilitate peaceful protest."
Ayr's managing director David Brown praised the swift action of the police and security teams on course.
He said: "The race went off to time, there was no notable delay and the professionalism of the team up here in Scotland was a credit to them, they dealt with it in a very efficient manner."
Following the Grand National at Aintree last week, Merseyside Police said they arrested 118 people over disruption which saw nine people enter the course.
Up to 17,000 people were expected at Ayr racecourse for the Scottish version of the race.
The Scottish Grand National was inaugurated in Ayrshire in 1867 and has taken place at Ayr since 1966.
Police Scotland said a "significant operation" took place to "safely remove" protesters from the track.
Security at the course was ramped up after protests delayed the start of the Grand National last week.
The protest failed to delay Saturday's event, with the off time in the 18-horse race recorded as 3:38.
The Ayr protest followed the death of horse Oscar Elite in the 13:50 race on Saturday. Activists said they wanted to stop other horses from dying or coming to harm.
Animal Rising, which is seeking to highlight what it said is the exploitation of animals for sport and food, said it will continue with more race disruptions, alongside a series of farm occupations and animal "rescues".
Protester Sarah McCaffrey from the group said last week's protest at the Grand National started a "crucial conversation about our relationship with animals and nature".
"Today we continue that conversation. As a society, we love animals, but we have to find a way to care for them without harming them," she said.
Ms McCaffrey called for an end to horse racing and a transition to a plant-based food system.
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said a "large group of protesters climbed under and over fences" to reach the track.
"Overall, there have been 25 arrests so far across the day and enquires are continuing," he added.
"I would like to commend the work of the officers and stewards who responded swiftly to intervene and prevent further escalation.
"We worked closely with the event organisers and other partners ahead of the Scottish Grand National to ensure a proportionate plan was in place to keep people safe and facilitate peaceful protest."
Ayr's managing director David Brown praised the swift action of the police and security teams on course.
He said: "The race went off to time, there was no notable delay and the professionalism of the team up here in Scotland was a credit to them, they dealt with it in a very efficient manner."
Following the Grand National at Aintree last week, Merseyside Police said they arrested 118 people over disruption which saw nine people enter the course.
Up to 17,000 people were expected at Ayr racecourse for the Scottish version of the race.
The Scottish Grand National was inaugurated in Ayrshire in 1867 and has taken place at Ayr since 1966.
