Statement from BHA Chief Executive, Julie Harrington, following the 2023 Betfred Derby:

We strongly condemn the actions of the individual who ran onto the track after the Betfred Derby had started. Despite Animal Rising having previously stated on multiple occasions that they would do nothing to jeopardise the safety of horses and riders, this reckless and dangerous behaviour did exactly that and I am grateful to Epsom’s security team for their swift response to ensure the race could be completed safely.

I would like to extend my thanks to the staff at The Jockey Club and my colleagues at the BHA, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the Derby could be staged safely, and to the race’s participants who co-operated fully during what were shortened preliminaries. I also want to thank Surrey Police for their decisive actions ahead of the Derby.