National protests ... but not furlong

HOT favourite Corach Rambler overcame more obstacles than the Aintree fences to win the Grand National yesterday.

- PHIL CARDY

The race was dramatically held up as police and spectators - swooped on animal rights protesters both inside and outside the racecourse.

A record 118 protesters were arrested after delaying the 5.15pm start of the steeplechase for 14 minutes. Police were cheered on by the 70,000 crowd as they galloped onto the pitch to chase activists who tried to glue themselves to fences, including the famous Chair.

Racegoers and security guards joined in to help officers nab protesters in the crowd - most wore pink T-shirts but some were disguised in dickie bows and frocks. Earlier, police had arrested three people as they tried to thwart the protest by activist group Animal Rising.

A man and a woman were detained outside Aintree on suspicion of conspiracy to cause public nuisance.