What are the grand national protests about and who are Animal Rebellion?
The Grand National returns to the Aintree Racecourse today - but the event has been overshadowed by protests from animal rights activists.
Here's everything you need to know about the disruption at the iconic horse racing event.
What are the Grand National protests about?
The Grand National has repeatedly come under scrutiny for its treatment of the competing horses.
A number of animal rights organisations have taken issue with the demanding course in particular.
One of those groups, Animal Rising, had urged protesters to assemble outside the racecourse to demand an end to what they consider "animal cruelty for entertainment."
Who are Animal Rising?
Animal Rising, formerly known as Animal Rebellion, are an animal rights and climate justice movement - aiming to compel government action towards a plant-based food system.
read more in news
The group assert they hope to achieve their goal of "freeing animals, occupying farms, and disrupting cruel and outdated animal racing events.
"Everything we do is open and accountable".
What disruptions have the Grand National protests caused?
The on-course exploits resulted in a 12-minute delay during which the protesters were removed by police.
Cops swooped in after the group managed to get through the ring of steel and into the grounds.
Most read in The Sun
Protesters were trying to glue and handcuff themselves to the fences.
Organiser Peter Scudamore said: "It's just part of what we have to go through.
"I'm sorry for the horses, the protesters doing this, well it affects the welfare of the horses."
What happens next at the Grand National?
The race finally got underway at 5.27pm after the reported 15 demonstrators were removed from the racecourse.
Favourite Corach Rambler, trained by trainer Lucinda Russell, triumphed in the chaotic race.
The 8-1 favourite absolutely bolted up under jockey Derek Fox - as the dream duo celebrated their second win in the world's most famous race.