top of page

All Charges Dropped Against Epsom Derby 2022 Disruptors


Photo Credit: Reuters/Andrew Boyers


  • On 19/09/24 all charges were dropped for the six Animal Rising supporters that disrupted the Epsom Derby in 2022. 

  • This was the first Epsom Derby disrupted by Animal Rising, which was followed by Animal Rising supporters attempting to gain access to the track, with one supporter successfully running onto the track during the 2023 Derby [1]. 

  • All six supporters at the 2022 Derby were women, with the protest occurring 109 years after suffragette Emily Davison ran out onto the tracks at the 1913 Derby to advocate for equal voting rights.


On 19/09/24 all charges were dropped against the six supporters of Animal Rising that disrupted the 2022 Epsom Derby. The women ran out onto the tracks before the race began, in an attempt to stop the risk of injury and death to the horses involved.


The Crown Prosecution Services cited “not enough evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction” as the reason behind the decision. This comes as dozens of Animal Rising supporters are now being charged in relation to the disruption of the 2023 Grand National.


The six women were accused of Causing a Public Nuisance contrary to Common Law on 4/6/22 after the first protest of the Epsom Derby. In July 2024, the High Court granted a five-year injunction at Epsom Racecourse, making disrupting races punishable by imprisonment, fines, and seizure of assets. 


Claudia Penna Rojas, Animal Rising spokesperson and one of the Epsom Six, said:

“The Jockey Club is aware of the cruel and unnecessary realities of horse racing, and is doing everything it can to protect a dying industry. We proudly stand by our actions; these charges being dropped is another step towards the end of racing in Britain, and a kinder future for all life.”

Animal Rising is a social movement campaigning for a safe ecological future. The group primarily calls for the transition to a secure and sustainable plant-based food system, alongside a mass rewilding programme.



ENDS

Word count: 329

All images and videos in this file, on our social media, and website can be used with credit to Animal Rising under ‘fair use’ for the purposes of reporting.

For more information or further comments, please contact:

Nathan (Press Back Office)  +44 1225 29 6691




13 views

Comments

bottom of page