Animal Rising

Ben Newman, who was filmed running onto the Epsom Downs course after the Derby had started and was subsequently apprehended by security in June, was spared jail time after his 18 weeks of imprisonment was suspended for two years, Sky Sports reported on Thursday. The defendant, 32 and part of  protest group Animal Rising, was also fined a total of £1,356. The defendant entered a guilty plea at Guildford Crown Court for causing a public nuisance. The judge criticised Newman for "endangering" the lives of police and security stationed around...

Ahead of next week's Royal Ascot meeting, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) will not take part in a nationally televised debate with Animal Rising, the organisation announced on Wednesday. Earlier in the day, animal activist group Animal Rising reportedly stated at a Wednesday press conference they would "pause" their protest activity this summer if UK racing's leaders took part in such a debate. BHA chief executive Julie Harrington said, "At a press conference today, Animal Rising said they will cease their protest activity this summer if British racing agrees to...

Officials at Ascot are liaising with authorities over security plans for the Royal meeting following the attempted disruption to Saturday's Betfred Derby at Epsom. Police arrested 31 people on Saturday, including 12 on the racecourse grounds, after Animal Rising announced their intention to "cancel or severely delay" the Derby in the lead up to the race, which went ahead as planned. Surrey Police confirmed on Sunday that Ben Newman, 32, from Hackney, east London, had been charged with causing public nuisance after running onto the track during the Derby itself....