Grand National animal rights protest case dropped

The 2023 Grand National saw widespread protests by Animal Rising activists

Nine people who were accused of causing a public nuisance during animal rights protests at the 2023 Grand National race meeting have had their case dropped.

They were among 118 people who were arrested after attempts were made to stop the race at Aintree racecourse on 15 April.

The protesters, from the Animal Rising campaign group, were due to face trial at Liverpool Crown Court on 21 November.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it kept cases under contant review, and that "there was no longer a realistic prospect of securing a conviction".

A spokesperson said: "We informed Liverpool Crown Court of this decision on 21 November."

Earlier this month, five people were cleared of the same charges after a trial at the same court earlier this month - and six more were found not guilty in September.

The protest led to the start of the 2023 race being delayed by 14 minutes.

The 175th Grand National was won by Corach Rambler, ridden by Derek Fox.

One horse, Hill Sixteen, died after falling at the first fence, meaning three horses died at the 2023 meeting overall.