Derby protester could face legal action or prison for contempt of court

A protester from the group Animal Rising who ran on to Epsom racecourse about 10 seconds after the start of Saturday’s Derby can expect to face legal action and potentially even imprisonment for contempt of court as a result of his actions.

“The court order [an injunction secured by the Jockey Club, Epsom’s owners, last week] provides a clear route to prosecution, fines and even the threat of prison … and we will now take steps to enforce that,” Nevin Truesdale, the Jockey Club’s chief executive, said.

“The Derby was first run in 1780 and has continued despite two world wars, the Covid pandemic and a number of other extreme challenges. That the 244th running of the race was able to take place on time today is testament to the determination of everyone to stage one of British sport’s most iconic and loved events.”

Ryan Moore, the winning jockey, was unaware of the incursion by a protester. “Andrew Cooper [the clerk of the course] and his team and the Jockey Club and BHA [British Horseracing Authority] have been on top of it. It seems to have gone off without a hitch and I think that’s a good sign.”

Moore, who was winning the Derby for the third time on Auguste Rodin after victories on Workforce (2010) and Ruler Of The World (2013), felt that his mount might have won with more authority if the early pace had been stronger.

“Straight away he got into a very good rhythm,” he said. “He was still a bit immature when he got to the front but when I asked him inside the last furlong, I was very happy with him.

“I thought I had the race won as soon as I crossed the road [near the top of the home straight] really. I was bit worried hitting the front as early as I was going to [but then] the second horse kicked and my horse just