Grand National LIVE – Aintree showcase as protestors plot track raid

Frankie Dettori announces retirement as horse racing legend confirms farewell plans

The Grand National is now upon us in what is the showcase event in the National Hunt racing. The 40-runner chase annually brings together those from all corners of the UK, and this year is set to be no different in what will be an incredibly competitive contest.

However, minor fears are growing that the Aintree meeting could be disrupted by anti-racing protestors, who are hoping to make a stand in the belief that the sport is cruel to the animals involved. Racing has continually jumped to the defence of their sport, and increased police presence is hoped to deter those hopeful of making their way onto the track before the race starts at 5.15pm.

Delta Work, Ain’t That A Shame and Corach Rambler are all battling it out for favouritism in this year’s race, though last year’s winner Noble Yeats certainly isn’t without a chance despite his drift over the past few days.

Express Sport will bring you all the latest from the Grand National today, including news on the runners, odds and protests.

KEY EVENTS

  • Grand National field10:26

    • Grand National field

    With punters looking to place their bets ahead of the big meeting, let us remind you of who will be lining up at 5.15pm and which jockeys will be riding. Click HERE.

    Protests plan track raid

    All eyes are currently on the frontgates of Aintree, with Animal Rising claiming that they will be staging a peaceful protest around the course throughout the meeting before invading the track in hope of the Grand National not being able to take place.

    Speaking about their action, spokesperson Nathan McGovern said: “We plan on using the slow-march tactics that Just Stop Oil have used in recent months to obstruct the access road to Aintree throughout the morning.

    “As we get towards the Grand National race itself, we plan on some 300-plus people to peacefully make their way towards the entrances to Aintree, towards the fences and walls at the front of the racecourse, to attempt to make their way over and through and eventually on to the track before the Grand National begins, to prevent the race from starting.”

    Good morning!

    Good morning and welcome to Express Sport’s Grand National live blog! Stay with us as we bring you all the latest from Aintree – including news about the planned protests.

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