Grand National ‘ring of metal’ deployed to foil morons after ‘hyper’ horse dying anger

The Grand National will be guarded by a so-called ‘ring of steel’ around the Aintree racecourse, made up of undercover security experts keeping a low profile in the crowd

A ring of steel will be thrown around the Grand National to protect it from rogue race-goers and protesters – including undercover crowd behaviour experts.

Project Servator cops – specialists at analysing revellers’ antics to foil disturbances or protests before they happen – will be mingling with fans in the crowd.

They will work alongside armed officers to safeguard Saturday’s big race. The behaviour spooks are being deployed after 118 Animal Rising protestors were arrested in 2023 for storming the Aintree course track and delaying the start. One furious trainer blamed the demonstrators for the death of his horse Hill Sixteen. It suffered a fatal fall at the first fence after going “hyper” from the 14-minute delay. After the 2023 chaos Animal Rising claimed it had suspended its horse-racing protests.

Climate change activists Just Stop Oil recently announced they too are ceasing high profile disruptions.

But Merseyside Police Chief Insp Kevin Chatterton (corr) said the force was taking no chances with its operation to safeguard the three-day racing festival which starts Thursday (April 3).

He said: “We will be deploying Project Servator officers in uniform and plain-clothes. These officers are specially trained to spot the tell-tale signs that someone may have criminal intent such as gathering information that may help them plan or prepare to commit a crime.

“These deployments will appear at any time in and around the area of the racecourse. But the public should not be alarmed by this.

“Officers will be encouraging racegoers to help us make this a safe and enjoyable event by being our extra eyes and ears and to report anything suspicious to us. I would also ask visitors to consider residents who live near the racecourse and treat the area with respect.’’

The protest was not the first time the race has been disrupted. The 1997 National was delayed for 48 hours due to bomb scares.

Chief Insp Chatterton said the police operation was designed to allow visitors to ‘enjoy this festival of racing which is a prime opportunity to showcase many of the great things Merseyside has to offer’.

“As with all big events we carry out extensive planning alongside all partner organisations in the run up to ensure everyone who attends the races has a great time, stays safe, and it is memorable for all the right reasons,’’ he went on.

“Race-goers and other visitors can help us and the racecourse staff by giving themselves extra time to get to the course and limiting the number of bags and other items they bring along.

“Everyone should expect to undergo the normal security checks. “I’d like to thank people in advance for their patience and cooperation in these essential checks. Your safety is our priority. There are plans in place to deal with any incidents that may arise and to prevent any significant or ongoing disruption to spectators, local residents and businesses.

“Anti-social behaviour, hate crime, disorder and other criminal activity will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly. If you see someone acting suspiciously or committing a crime then please speak to an officer on patrol or contact us directly.’’

Police said visitors should expect to undergo a ‘series’ of security checks including bag searches and badge monitoring.

Only ‘pre-booked vehicles’ will be allowed onto the course and parking restrictions nearby `rigorously enforced’.

Additional rail and bus services will operate throughout the festival with trains which stop outside the racecourse running every seven-and-a-half minutes.

“We are reminding people to plan ahead, respect each other and enjoy themselves responsibly,’’ a police spokesman added.