A total of 118 protesters have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and public nuisance offences surrounding the Grand National.
Merseyside Police confirmed the number after the 15:15 main event at Aintree was delayed by animal welfare protesters who made their way onto the race course.
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Multiple individuals also attached themselves to the surrounding fences with police then having to remove protesters from the race course and walls before Corach Rambler’s win.
The race course itself wasn’t the only area affected by protests, with the M57 in Kirkby blocked by individuals who glued themselves to the motorway.
Three horses died at Aintree, including Hill Sixteen which fell during the main event.
Merseyside Police Assistant Chief Constable Paul White said in a statement: “Today, as you’ve seen, there’s been a significant protest in relation to the running of the Grand National.
“This began earlier this morning, there’s been a number of protests outside and then that resulted earlier on today at about 5pm with numerous people trying to incur onto the course, which we, in partnership with the event organisers, and members of the public as well, have managed in the main to stop and and ultimately the event took place – albeit with a slight delay.
“The perimeter of the course is four to five kilometres long so you know, that is a significant resource required to try and cover every area of that.
“We put a proportionate policing plan in place and, by and large, we were able to stop the vast majority entering onto the course, a small number did get onto the course, but, very quickly, they were removed, again in partnership with the event organiser, private security and police officers and staff.”
Dickon White, regional director for Jockey Club Racecourses added: “There was a short delay to the start time for the Grand National, due to the reckless actions of a small number of individuals.
“The police and our security teams, who form part of a strong visible presence on course, dealt with the incident swiftly and decisively. The pre-race parade was cancelled as a result of the short delay.
“The Grand National Festival sees thousands of people come to enjoy racing and a great atmosphere, with millions following on television, radio and online.
“While the actions of a small number of individuals were intended to disrupt the event, the safety and security of everyone on course will always be our number one priority.”
