TWENTY-FOUR people have been charged after a protest at the Scottish Grand National at Ayr Racecourse on Saturday, say police.
A number of protesters from Animal Rising managed to make their way on to the racecourse in a bid to stop the £200,000 race, which was won by 4-1 favourite Kitty's Light.
Assistant chief constable Tim Mairs said they had "climbed under and over fences and made their way towards the track", but that a "prompt and professional response by stewards and Police Scotland" stopped any disruption to the event.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said on Sunday: "Following the conclusion of the operation at Ayr Racecourse on Saturday, April 22, the total number of people arrested and charged is 24.
"All are in connection with a breach of the peace.
"They have all been released, and are due to appear at Ayr Sheriff Court on Monday, June 5, 2023."
No injuries were reported during the protests, which were held after the death of Oscar Elite in the 1.50pm race on Saturday.
Activists said they wanted to stop other horses from dying or coming to harm.
Animal Rising, which is seeking to highlight the exploitation of animals for sport and food, said it will continue with more race disruptions, alongside a series of farm occupations and animal rescues.
Ayr's managing director David Brown praised the swift action of the police and security teams on course in dealing with the protests.
He told the BBC on Saturday: "The race went off to time, there was no notable delay and the professionalism of the team up here in Scotland was a credit to them.
"They dealt with it in a very efficient manner."
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