Racing chiefs reject Animal Rising’s call for TV debate amid Royal Ascot threat

The British Horseracing Authority has said it would “never allow British horse racing to be coerced … by threats of protests” . It has also rejected a suggestion by Animal Rising that it could suspend its ongoing attempts to disrupt the sport if the BHA and Ascot agreed to a televised debate before the Royal meeting next week.

Animal Rising caused a 15-minute delay to the Grand National at Aintree in April when a small number of its members briefly gained access to the course. The animal rights group also organised a protest at the Epsom Derby this month when Ben Newman, one of its members, ran on to the track near the furlong-pole shortly after the start of the race. Newman pleaded not guilty to causing a public nuisance and is due to reappear at Guildford crown court on 6 July.

Newman’s incursion on to the track followed repeated claims by Animal Rising that as a non-violent organisation, it would not risk injury to horses or riders by attempting to disrupt a race after it had started. While the group disputes whether Newman was on the track before the off, a failure to stick to earlier assurances was also referenced by the BHA on Wednesday as it responded to Animal Rising’s invitation to a debate.

Yarmouth 

1.50 Free Step2.20 Antiphon2.50 Crowning 3.25 Sparkling Red4.00 Gearing’s Point 4.30 Seraphia 5.00 Tomshalfbrother

Newton Abbot

2.00 Tommydan2.30 Magical Maggie3.05 Myristica3.40 Noahthirtywored4.10 Princess Midnight 4.40 Kolisi (nb)5.10 Corporal Jackjones 

Haydock 

2.10 C’Mon Kenny2.40 Shagpyle 3.15 Watcha Matey3.50 Phone Tag4.20 The Toff4.50 Bint Al Daar5.20 Coverdale 

Kempton Park 

5.05 Micks Dream5.40 Moogie 6.10 Lady Boba 6.40 Exigency7.10 Full Prime (nap)7.40 Billy Mill 8.15 Imperial Cult8.45 Where’s Tom