UK Jockey Club injunction extension ‘good news’ for sports and entertainment businesses

The decision, linked to Epsom Downs Racecourse, extends the injunction for up to five years, subject to annual review.

Julian Diaz-Rainey, sports disputes expert at Pinsent Masons, said: “The extension demonstrates that the courts will provide their support to ensure that events can, insofar as possible, remain unaffected by protestors, and that spectators and participants should be able to enjoy the event without interruption.”

The Jockey Club, the largest commercial operator and employer in British racing, initially took legal action in May 2023. This was in response to repeated threats from protest group Animal Rising, which had made it clear that it intended to breach security at Epson Downs to stage protests. An interim injunction was granted at the time to prohibit trespass and protests intended to disrupt racing at the Surrey racecourse.

Now, a High Court judge has ruled that the final injunction should be granted. It means that conditions previously put in place will remain for up to a further five years. The order specially prohibits individuals from entering the racetrack and carrying out other acts with the intention or effect of disrupting any race day at Epsom Downs. Such acts include intentionally causing objects to enter the racetrack, entering the parade ring, and roaming on the horses’ route to the parade ring and racetrack without authorisation. Additionally, intentionally endangering any person at the track is prohibited.

Anyone in breach of the order could face proceedings for contempt of court. This may lead to fines or imprisonment in some cases.  

The injunction aims to balance the right to peaceful protest with the need to ensure the safety and enjoyment of those attending the races. The extension reflects the ongoing challenges face by the racing industry in dealing with protests.

The sports sector is not the only one experiencing potential protest disruptions. Other industries are also tackling this potential safety by securing injunctions. For instance, some of the UK’s most popular airports have recently tightened measures to mitigate potential summer disruptions, securing injunctions against environmental protestors. It follows a number of incidents, including the spraying of orange paint on Taylor Swift’s private jets by protesters in June.

Heathrow Airport is the latest UK airport to have been granted a High Court injunction against environmental protestors, with similar orders granted to Stansted, East Midlands and Manchester Airports earlier this month.