AYR Racecourse is not anticipating any protests at the upcoming Scottish Grand National later this month.

Demonstrators, understood to be from the 'Animal Rising' campaign group, invaded the course shortly before the big race at Ayr last April.

Twenty-four people were subsequently charged and appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court in connection with the protests.

Ten protesters, who were armed with glue, were then fined for their part in the disruption.

There have been no further protests at Ayr, including at the course's second largest event, the Virgin Bet Ayr Gold Cup Festival, since the incident 12 months ago.

READ MORE: Ten protesters armed with glue fined for Scottish Grand National race disruption

Ayr Racecourse say they don't expect a repeat of the 2023 incident this time around when the big race takes place on April 20 - the culmination of the Coral Scottish Grand National Festival.

However, they still plan to keep a close eye on Aintree this weekend, with the three-day Randox Grand National meeting due to run at the Liverpool course from April 11-13, with the Grand National itself on Saturday.

Jim Delahunt, head of PR at Ayr Racecourse, said: "We have no intelligence so far on any potential protests, but we will clearly be keeping a keen eye on events at Aintree this weekend.

"Plans were in place before last year's race and will be revised and updated if thought to be required."