Royal Ascot pumps extra £100,000 into security to stop eco-zealots trying to disrupt races

• Organisers at Ascot said they were ‘learning’ from disruptions at The Derby
• The boost will go towards enhanced CCTV, police presence and private security 

Officials are spending £100,000 on more security to stop eco-zealots wrecking Royal Ascot.

The extra expenditure is a response to fears animal rights activists will try to sabotage the world-famous horse-racing meeting after its attempts to disrupt the Grand National and the Derby.

Protest group Animal Rising is expected to announce its plans on Wednesday for the Royal Ascot festival, which begins on June 20.

A protester from the group ignored a court injunction to invade the track at Epsom during the Derby earlier this month while a plot by the group to halt the Grand National was foiled by The Mail on Sunday.

Royal Ascot organisers said they were ‘observing and learning’ from the track invasion at the Derby.

The extra security budget will be used on enhanced CCTV, increased police presence and extra private security for the five-day meeting.

Organisers have decided against applying for an injunction to protect the track against trespassers, relying instead on working closely with Thames Valley Police and the Jockey Club to ensure racing goes ahead without interference.

An Ascot spokesman said: ‘Thames Valley Police have powers in place within the existing legislation that are sufficient to be able to respond to any incidents of disorder or disruption.’

An Animal Rising spokesman last night told the MoS: ‘We would love to see organisers put the horses first and cancel Royal Ascot.’

Meanwhile, the All England Club will also step up security amid concerns that play could be disrupted during this year’s Wimbledon tennis championships by Just Stop Oil.

The group has vowed to continue a campaign of direct action after protests at the World Snooker Championships and Chelsea Flower Show.

The increased security presence will enable more in-depth bag searches during Wimbledon, which this year runs from July 3 to July 16. 

The All England Club is thought to be particularly vulnerable to eco-protests this year because of environmental concerns over a multi-million-pound expansion project.

A Just Stop Oil spokesman last night told the MoS: ‘We will continue to disrupt sports and cultural events until the sporting bodies join us in demanding the Government call a halt to all licensing and consents for new oil and gas.’

A spokesman for the All England Club said: ‘The safety and security of all our visitors is paramount.’