By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
The 175th edition of, the Grand National was beset by animal rights protesters, who delayed the start by 14 minutes of the most famous steeplechase in the world on 15 April 2023.
They want the race banned on the grounds of cruelty to the racehorses. During the event one horse died after falling at the first fence.
118 protesters were arrested by the police for criminal damage and public nuisance offences.
The organisers of the event claim that horses are bred to race and that no cruelty is involved. In fact, they add that racehorses are well looked after and cared for at all times.
Also, there have been 5 fatalities out of 395 runners in 10 Grand Nationals since 2012, when certain safety measures were introduced.
Be that as it may, the protesters have vowed to continue their opposition to horse racing, targeting the next major event in the horseracing calendar, namely, the 244th Epsom Derby, due to be run on 3 June 2023.
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘