RACING chiefs are terrified about the prospect of animal rights extremists targeting the Derby.
The Epsom Classic is the most high-profile Flat race of the entire summer and takes place on June 3.
Epsom chiefs are concerned that Animal Rising could target the Derby
Some 118 protestors were arrested at the Grand National meeting
The racecourse it situated on Epsom Downs, which is a wide-open expanse with public access points at several points on the racecourse.
And there is a free enclosure on Tattenham Hill – which could give protesters easy access to the track.
Security at the Derby will be beefed up amid fears that they will try to carry out a similar attack to the one they launched on Aintree minutes before the Grand National.
Some 118 protesters were arrested by Merseyside Police and the race, which was eventually won by Corach Rambler, was delayed for around 15 minutes.
Last year, six female activists from the group now named Animal Rising were arrested on the home straight after breaking on to the course just before the start of the Derby.
And the group has hinted it plans to make a far bigger splash at Epsom this year, as well as potentially sabotaging other major meetings on the Flat this summer.
They include Royal Ascot in mid-June, where the King and Queen Consort will be in attendance, and Glorious Goodwood in late July.
Animal Rising spokesperson Nathan McGovern said: “We’d anticipate disrupting other racing events throughout the year.
“The overriding point for us is the fact that we are using animals for our entertainment.
“Everything is on the table when we are looking to prevent harm to animals and our relationship to them.
“Whether it’s over the jumps, on the flat, or in a bacon sandwich there’s very little difference as far as we’re concerned.”
