Just week's out from the Grand National, a plot has been uncovered that aims to "ruin" one of the biggest events on the racing calendar. 

More than 100 members of Animal Rebellion, a group of climate activists, plan to form a human barricade across the course at Aintree, Liverpool, after sneaking into the event with ladders and bolt cutters, according to The Mail. 

In undercover footage obtained by the newspaper, a woman can be heard saying to a group of people: “Basically the kick-off action for this whole campaign is going to be at the Grand National. The biggest horse race in the world.

“We have 600 million people viewing this horse race worldwide, we’ve got £300 million of bets on the horse race and we’re just going to ruin it.”

In another clip from The Mail, a second female voice could be heard talking about the planned protest which is set to take place on Saturday, April 15. 

The voice said: “There are like 100 of you now at the fence.

“You get the ladders out. Put them up against the fence and you’re the first one over.

“You start climbing that fence and you see security on the other side. You don’t care. You know you’re doing the right thing.”

It has been reported, that once on the track, the activists plan to glue themselves to the course.

The group has vowed that uncovering the plot will not deter them from carrying out the planned action.

Animal Rebellion member, Rose Patterson, said: “This April we are launching the biggest campaign to protect animals and the climate this country has ever seen.

“One undercover Mail on Sunday reporter is not going to stop teachers, nurses, and more from acting for all life and really beginning the crucial conversation about our broken relationship with other animals.

“This conversation is vital if we are to tackle the root causes of our climate and ecological crises.”

She added: “Since 2000, this event alone has killed 40 animals.

“Most people would say they love animals, so why are we okay with this?

“Whether it is for food or for sport, our relationship with animals is beyond broken.”

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said policing plans were in place for the Grand National and while they respect the right to peaceful protest, criminal offenses would not be tolerated. 

The spokesperson said: “Merseyside Police has a robust policing plan in place for Aintree, as it does for any major public event, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.

“We have been working with our partners, including The Jockey Club, for a number of months in the build-up to this year’s festival to ensure that any necessary plans and processes are in place to deal with any incidents that may arise and to prevent any significant or ongoing disruption to racegoers and local residents and businesses.

“We respect the right to peaceful protest and expression of views, but public order or criminal offences will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.”

When is the Grand National 2023?

The Randox Grand National is held at the Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool. 

The racing event runs over three days from April 13 to 15, 2023.

Thursday is the Opening Day, Friday is Ladies Day and Saturday is when the main Grand National race is run. 

The protests are planned to take place on Saturday, April 15.