The start of the Grand National was delayed by 15 minutes after protesters invaded Aintree Racecourse ©Getty Images

The start of the Grand National, the most valuable horse race over jumps in Europe, and one of the most watched in the United Kingdom, was delayed by 15 minutes after animal rights protesters invaded Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool, England.

A total of 118 arrests were made by Merseyside Police throughout the day in connection with activity designed to disrupt the 175th edition of the steeplechase by members of the Animal Rising group.

Television pictures showed protesters trying to attach themselves to a fence before being removed by police, while others were seen attempting to climb over boundary fencing.

During the unfolding protest, Animal Rising tweeted: "In the UK alone, 49 horses have died or been killed so far this year due to horse racing - this is unacceptable.

"We are a nation of animal lovers - we shouldn't be harming animals for entertainment, food or any other reason. It's time to create a kinder future."

Two horses, Envoye Special and Dark Raven, died from injuries sustained during supporting races held as part of the three-day race meeting in Liverpool, England, while Hill Sixteen died after falling at the first fence during the Grand National.

Earlier in the day, members of Animal Rising held a slow march around Aintree Racecourse as part of their protests.

A protest was also held outside Aintree Racecourse in the build-up to the race, calling for it to be cancelled ©Getty Images
A protest was also held outside Aintree Racecourse in the build-up to the race, calling for it to be cancelled ©Getty Images

The arrests, are for offences including causing public nuisance and criminal damage.

Speaking following the meeting Merseyside Police's Assistant Chief Constable Paul White said: "The safety and wellbeing of everyone is of paramount concern when dealing with large-scale public events such as the Grand National.

"The perimeter of Aintree racecourse covers an extensive area of between four and five kilometres and obviously poses challenges for policing. 

"However we have been planning the policing of this event for a number of months and we had a robust plan in place to ensure that we had adequate staff to deal with it.

"Just after 5pm a large number of protesters attempted to gain entry on to Aintree racecourse. 

"The majority were prevented from breaching the boundary fencing thanks to our planning and the work of my officers.

"I would like to thank everyone for their patience whilst this matter was dealt with in a safe and appropriate manner."

The race was won by Corach Rambler, priced at 8-1, trained by Lucinda Russell and ridden by Derek Fox.