'The people were defending their race' - racegoers praised after helping to stop Grand National protesters

The Grand National continues to have a special place in Liverpool's heart, according to jockeys Martin Dwyer and Franny Norton, who suggested scenes at Aintree on Saturday showed how much the famous race means to locals.

Won by Corach Rambler, the Randox-sponsored National was delayed by nearly 15 minutes as animal rights protestors attempted to get on to the track and disrupt proceedings.

Merseyside Police said 118 people were arrested on Saturday, although on Sunday 42 individuals were reportedly de-arrested with 68 remaining in custody, and it is believed some members of the public helped officers and security staff deal with the problem.

Proud Liverpudlian Dwyer, who captured the 2006 Derby on Sir Percy, said: "The National is a massive event and it's the people's – and city's – race. The stands were rammed and people embrace Aintree and that meeting. 

"The people intervening will have kind of seen it that way and wouldn't have agreed with what the protesters were doing. If it was a peaceful protest, then fair enough, but it was silly what the protesters did. Perhaps people shouldn't take matters into their own hands, but maybe they could see it wasn't right." 

Protesters attempt to scale the fences at AintreeCredit: John Grossick Racing

The jockey, on the sidelines with a knee injury, added: "They used to say when the Derby was on, the city of London would stop. In Liverpool, it comes alive when the National is on. The local economy thrives on it and it's great for the city."

Dwyer's fellow Merseysider Norton similarly referenced the impact the three-day fixture has on his native area.

"If you go in and around Aintree, the only time some businesses make money is when the National is on," said the rider. "That whole day would do them for the year. It's massive for the economy.

"National day is huge for Liverpool. Everyone gets dressed up – it's months of planning and people love it.

"I can imagine people there were annoyed about the protest and it was upsetting to see because these horses are well treated."

Former trainer and ex professional footballer Mick Quinn echoed those thoughts. He said: "I don't condone vigilante behaviour, but it's their race and the people of Liverpool are very proud of it.

"There was a time the race was on its knees with regards a sponsor and it looked like petering out. It's been rejuvenated and revamped and is still the most exciting racing in the world. 

"People were defending their race. The meeting is massive in the calendar – for the people in the city it's their Royal Ascot. The National showcases the city to however many hundreds of million people around the world and they don't want that spoiled."

Quinn, who was based in Newmarket but stopped training in 2021, became captivated by the exploits of three-time National hero Red Rum in the 1970s. 

He said: "They've modified the race and fences and tried to make it as safe as possible, but there are risks in any sport. We don't want any fatalities and I'm still proud of the race, as are many others in Liverpool.

"I was lucky being brought up in the 1970s with that great Liverpool team and Red Rum. I trained on the Flat, but he's still my equine hero and that's why I'm still so passionate about the race. It was great to grow up when he was in his pomp and peak and the race was firmly in my upbringing and had an influence on me getting involved in the sport."

Read more . . .

118 arrested as 2023 Grand National delayed after animal rights protesters storm track at Aintree   

'This is our sport and I love it' - Corach Rambler charges to magnificent victory in disrupted Grand National   

'I've peaked too early' says 21-year-old Corach Rambler co-owner as connections revel in 'mind-blowing' win 

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