Jockey Club could push for civil action against Derby protesters

The Jockey Club has instructed its lawyers to consider civil proceedings against members of Animal Rising who attempted to disrupt the running of the Derby at Epsom on Saturday, including a man who ran onto the racecourse shortly after the start of the race.

As yet, none of the 31 individuals arrested by Surrey police on Saturday are believed to have been charged with an offence, but an injunction obtained by the Jockey Club, which owns Epsom, at the high court last month allows it to launch an immediate claim for damages. This could also include a claim against Dan Kidby, a founder of the animal rights group and the only individual named in the injunction, for the significant costs of the application process.

“We were always very clear that having been granted the high court injunction we would not hesitate to enforce it should Animal Rising or anyone breach the court order,” a Jockey Club spokesperson said on Sunday. “Following their reckless and illegal actions yesterday we have been in touch with our lawyers about the next steps in this process.”

It also emerged on Sunday that a number of individuals were arrested beforehand with equipment for “locking on”, to hamper their removal if they accessed the track. Some were also in possession of burner phones.

Speaking on Racing TV’s Luck On Sunday programme, Nevin Truesdale, the Jockey Club’s chief executive, said that he was “really proud” of the co-ordinated action with Surrey police that had allowed Saturday’s race to go ahead as planned. “We shouldn’t underestimate the impact of really strong intelligence-led policing,” Truesdale said.

“A significant proportion [of the arrests] took place yesterday morning. Two houses were raided early on Saturday, those folk having